At the end of 2000, according to International Data Corp. (IDC), about half of all U.S. households had a computer, and more than 20 million of those had more than one computer. In fact, market research shows that current PC owners are buying most of the new computers. This means that multi-computer households are becoming pretty common.

If you are one these multiple-PC owners, you have probably thought about how great it would be if your computers could talk to each other. With your computers connected, you could:

• Share a single printer between computers.
• Use a single Internet connection.
• Share files such as images, spreadsheets and documents.
• Play games that allow multiple users at different computers.
• Send the output of a device like a DVD player or Webcam to your other computer(s).

In this edition, we'll look at all of the different methods you can use to create a home network. Be sure to read the companion articles about power-line networking, wireless networking and phone-line networking. This specialized information, including our own experiences with different networking solutions, can help you decide which method is right for your home.

Introduction

Ways to Connect

Networking Basics

Naming the PC

Networking Basics: File Sharing and Security

Networking Basics: Printers

Networking Basics: Internet

Routers and Firewalls

Building a Network

Ethernet Networking

Pros and Cons

What You Need for Ethernet

Other Types of Home Networks

A Word About Macs

The Future of Home Networking