Home Networking: The Missing Manual

by Scott Lowe

Book Overview

Millions of computers around the world today are connected by the Internet, so why is it still so hard to hook up a few PCs in you own home? Whether you want to share an Internet connection, install WiFi, or maybe just cut down on the number of printers you own, home networks are supposed to help make your life easier. Instead, most aspiring home networkers get lost in a confusing maze of terms and technologies: 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Cat 5 cable...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 059600558X
• ISBN13: 9780596005580
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 263 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

MUST HAVE!!!! DOn't Try it Without This Book

I wish I had read this book about three months ago. I bought a wireless router and a card for my laptop. I set up the network. I could get on the internet now from the laptop -- I was thrilled. Then I tried to print. Nothing. Then I tried file sharing. Nothing. If I had a new laptop, it would have been no problem, but I have an ancient laptop -- a Pentium 1, 166Mhz machine running Windows 98. And I had no clue what to do. I'm still not really sure how I got everything to work right. I messed with settings and finally got it working. I can print, and share files. But it took me a lot of mucking around with things that I really didn't feel qualified to muck around with. As I read this book, I kept saying "I should have done THAT!! Why didn't I do THAT? So THAT'S what that does!" Slapped myself on the forehead a few times, too. It was bad -- my head still hurts. This book breaks the process of setting up a home network down into managable steps. It talks about both Windows and Mac OS setup, and shows easy ways to get the two operating systems talking to each other. It shows how to set up wireless AND regular networks -- it even mentions Powerline networking, and shows how it can be used to extend an existing network. Everything you need to start networking at home is right here, in one volume. I learned several things that I'm planning on using in the near future. One problem with my home systems is the lack of storage space. This book shows how to set up networked storage using USB hard drives and a Linksys Network Storage Link. I've also been introduced to Apple's AirPort Express, which I would already own if I had seen it before. This book is essential for anyone who is going to set up a home network. If you've done that already, read the book anyway. You might get some ideas for things that you can do with your network that you hadn't thought of before.

Best for network neophytes

This book is most likely to be useful to computer networking neophytes--but probably _not_ to someone who has already built networks. In other words, if you have worked around IT and networks for several years, it may not be for you. But it might be just the thing to give your friend who wants to network his computers and doesn't know where to start--before you start helping him string cables. It starts with explanations of the basics--for example, discussions of wired and wireless networks, the three types of network adapters (PCI, USB, and PC card), and the purpose of routers. Networking of Windows computers, Macs, and combinations of them, are all included. Some major topics are . Ethernet, powerline, and wireless (WiFi) (a chapter for each) . Criteria for choosing from among these, including a "How does the future look?" comparison--useful to avoid being stuck with orphan technology. . Components used in the network, with their descriptions and purposes . Steps in setting up the network (here one might wish to consult the instructions specific to the equipment used, but this book provides useful background) . Chapters on configuration details (naming computers, user accounts, sharing files and printers, etc. . Networking Macs, Windows computers, and combinations thereof . Remote use (GoToMyPC, etc.) One other nice feature of the book is its brevity--about 250 pages. Coverage of Linux might be worth adding a few more pages.

Wished I'd had this a year ago...

Boy, I wish I had this book about a year ago... Home Networking - The Missing Manual by Scott Lowe... Contents: Part 1 - Setting Up Your Network: Planning Your Home Network; Creating a Wired Network the Ethernet Way; Setting Up a Wireless Network; Setting Up a Powerline Network Part 2 - Using Your Network: Using the Network with Windows Computers; Using the Network with Macintosh Computers; Mixing Macintosh and Windows Computers; Fun and Games with Your Network; Using Your Network on the Road Appendix: The Macintosh Keychain; Multiple User Accounts in Mac OS 9 Index My lack and fear of networking is well-known amongst my geek friends. It's one of those things I don't get and pretty much don't dabble in, either. I won't tell you how long I had a cat-5 cable snaking up my basement stairs and across the kitchen floor in order to do Internet Connection Sharing with the computer that had the internal DSL modem. And I was *proud* to have figured that much out! With this book, I would have purchased the wireless router *much* sooner, and I wouldn't have paid the cable guy $50 for screwing in the cable modem as the "install". Lowe takes what can be a daunting subject and simplifies it enough that even non-geeks can follow along. There are plenty of pictures, and the instructions are clear and concise. And by including both PC and Mac networking, you should be able to use the information in this book regardless of your operating system preference... As a computer geek (just not one that does networking), I was highly impressed that he included electrical system networking. This seems to be one of those technologies that's on the cusp of becoming mainstream, but just hasn't bridged that chasm yet. While I don't think that'd be my first recommendation to someone unless absolutely necessary, it's nice to see it included as a viable option for the adventurous. Well done... If you have more than one computer at home and you've been putting off networking them together due to lack of knowledge, delay no longer. Grab a copy of this book, and get "hooked up" in no time...

HOME IS WHERE THE NETWORK IS

Today, home networking is growing by leaps and bounds. Author Scott Lowe has done an outstanding job of putting together a book that uses clear, jargon-free language; helps you understand what kind of gear you need for your home network; how to set things up; and, how to use that network once it's up and running. Lowe begins by introducing you to the traditional wired Ethernet. Next, the author tells you everything you need to know about setting up an Ethernet network. Then, he explains several types of WiFi, how to choose them, and what they are, so you can decide which version makes sense to you. The author continues by explaining how Powerline devices can convert your home's electrical system into a data network. In addition, the author next deals with how to share files, folders, and printers among computers running all modern versions of the Windows operation system. He also shows you how to configure your Mac OS X computers; as well as, those running the older version of Apple's operating system. The author next shows you how to get the two systems talking to each other. Next, the author explores streaming music around the house, playing network video games, and putting your digital photos ion the big screen. Finally, he tells you how to connect to your network when you're on the road. With the preceding in mind, the author has done an excellent job of showing you how to set up a network so that everyone at home can get online at the same time. And, given the rapidly falling prices networking gear, that's a worthwhile reason to get connected.

Surprisingly wide range

Not only does this book cover the usual topics you would expect; Windows networking, Macintosh networking, hard wire, wireless, routing and firewalls. It also covers topics like XBox and TiVo networking. All of the in a compact little 250 page frame. The coverage is end-user centric as you would expect given the title and the series. There are some tips for power users, but primarily the focus in the home user. There are some diversions like gaming lingo, but otherwise this is a solid and terse read.