Difference between revisions of "Networking"

From DIYWiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
 
Line 1: Line 1:
 
This is a page about computer networking.
 
This is a page about computer networking.
  
== Wired ==
+
== Introduction ==
 +
The aim of this, is to guide you though the different options open to you when creating a computer network. This may be connecting two computers together, or connecting hundreds together.
  
== Wireless ==
+
== Before You Buy Anything ==
 +
Don't just go to PC World and pick up the first or cheapest thing you see, there are various decisions you need to make first in order to create the perfect network for you.
 +
 
 +
== The Basics ==
 +
The simplest form of a computer network is two computers connected together.
 +
With this, you can share files, printers and even an internet connection!
 +
You could have a computer in the study, and the kids could have one in their room, connecting the two together would mean the kids can print their homework out, without you having to invest in another printer, or maybe you have a black and white  laser printer in the study, and a photo quality one in the kids room, networking the two machines together will mean you can print to either printer, from either computer.
 +
 
 +
== Types of network ==
 +
The two main types of networking are wired and wireless.
 +
Just because you start with one, does not mean you can't then have the other, they co-exist perfectly! in fact, they are totally transparent to one another, one computer on a wired connection can happily talk to another on a wireless connection in the same network (if it is all set up correctly, of course!)
 +
 
 +
=== Wired ===
 +
==== Two Computers ====
 +
The easiest network to set up is a two computer wired network.
 +
You will need to make sure both your computers have a network card installed, these are becoming more commonly supplied built in to new computers, you need to look for a port on the back like this

Revision as of 00:47, 18 January 2007

This is a page about computer networking.

Introduction

The aim of this, is to guide you though the different options open to you when creating a computer network. This may be connecting two computers together, or connecting hundreds together.

Before You Buy Anything

Don't just go to PC World and pick up the first or cheapest thing you see, there are various decisions you need to make first in order to create the perfect network for you.

The Basics

The simplest form of a computer network is two computers connected together. With this, you can share files, printers and even an internet connection! You could have a computer in the study, and the kids could have one in their room, connecting the two together would mean the kids can print their homework out, without you having to invest in another printer, or maybe you have a black and white laser printer in the study, and a photo quality one in the kids room, networking the two machines together will mean you can print to either printer, from either computer.

Types of network

The two main types of networking are wired and wireless. Just because you start with one, does not mean you can't then have the other, they co-exist perfectly! in fact, they are totally transparent to one another, one computer on a wired connection can happily talk to another on a wireless connection in the same network (if it is all set up correctly, of course!)

Wired

Two Computers

The easiest network to set up is a two computer wired network. You will need to make sure both your computers have a network card installed, these are becoming more commonly supplied built in to new computers, you need to look for a port on the back like this