Home Network Manager

Make the most of your PCs and peripherals by networking.

As more and more people are gaining access to a PC and homes and offices are now equipped with a number of PCs, sharing information like common files, databases, etc. has increased manifold.

With growing businesses, communication between employees is essential and you need to improve the competence by file sharing, etc. which can be achieved efficiently through networking.

Networking computer looks like a complex process with a variety of options and connections, be it wired or wireless. Setting up a network is a good way to make maximum use of your computers and peripherals, particularly at home or in small offices.

Computer networks are collection of computers, software and hardware connected together by the means of cabling systems, specialized software and devices that manage data traffic.

Networks allow you to share a single broadband connection among multiple computers and PC users.

There are three basic types of networks:

Local Area Network

These are small networks confined to small geographical area in which computers are rarely a mile apart. In LAN, one computer is the file server which stores all the software and controls the network. Examples of LAN networked computers are small businesses, schools, etc.

Metropolitan Area Network

These are networks in which two or more LANs are connected together. Though, it is a big network, it doesn’t span out of a town, city or metropolitan area. These are functional in areas like college campuses, military bases, industrial complexes, etc.

Wide Area Networks

These are connected across large geographic areas. LANs of the same organization in different cities or towns are connected together to form a WAN. This kind of network, however, is more complex.

Steps to set up a network:

Connect to the Internet

Depending on your location, you will have to choose an Internet option like Wi-Fi or broadband connection. Once the network is set, you will be able to go online from any computer in the network.

Choose a network type

You will have to choose between the type of network you want, i.e., whether you want a wired network or a wireless network.  In case you are using multiple PCs in the network, wired networks are the best option. If, however, you are using portable computers and peripherals, you should go in for wireless networks.

Set up the chosen network

To set up a wired or wireless network, you would need to choose the right equipment, compatible software and a strong security management system.

Using a network has its own advantages, which are:

Resource Management

Since a number of devices can be shared in a network, all the computers in a network can share peripheral devices like printers, scanners, fax machines, backup devices, etc. This also helps save money.

Increased communication

Networks let you share files and folders quickly and easily without using any disk or USB key. Networks also provide a number of collaboration tools like e-mail clients and communicators which help you communicate with friends, family or colleagues.

Multiple Access Points

Being in a network gives you the flexibility to work freely. You may start a project on one PC in a network and finish it on another PC in the same network without constraints.

Using networks will also ensure that you do your bit in saving energy.