Rathit

As you probably know, a computer network lets you connect computers together so you can pass files back and forth between them, share a printer, or even share a single connection to the Internet. This article is aimed at beginners who want to learn about wireless networking or get help installing a network in their home.

If you're thinking about setting up a home network, I recommend you look into using wireless (also called Wi-Fi) technologies. The chief advantage of wireless networking is that it will save you from having to run cables all over your house. Windows XP includes support for wireless networking, so you can get a network set up in your home with a modest investment in hardware.

Understanding networking
It's a good idea to get a broad overview of networking before you start shopping for equipment. Although this article focuses on wireless networking, you will probably find that understanding a bit about all types of networking is helpful. There are a number of networking technologies on the market, the more common ones include:

• Ethernetis used for cabled connections. This is the technology that's been around for years, and is widely used in businesses and some homes. In many cases, Ethernet cables are a decidedly non-nerdy shade of pink.
• 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11aare all variants of the most commonly used wireless technology. The "a," "b," and "g" designations do not reflect a progression of any kind. The first standard was "b," "a" is fastest, and "g" splits the difference. When you choose hardware, you'll need to decide what feature and price tradeoffs are right for you. (Geeky detail: The "802.11" is short for IEEE 801.11, which is an industry standard maintained by the IEEE (Eye-triple-E), which is a non-profit, technical professional association of more than 365,000 individual members in approximately 150 countries. The full name is the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., although the organization is most popularly known and referred to by the letters I-E-E-E.)
• Infrareduses light waves that depends on line-of-site, and is generally used for connecting equipment for short bursts of information, such as sending a file from your handheld computer to your laptop computer. Infrared is also used for TV remote controls.
• Bluetooth® is a radio-frequency based way to connect two devices together over a short distance; you see it most frequently used for wireless headsets for cell phones and in some wireless keyboards or mice.

Regardless of the type of network you decide to set up, you'll need some type of network interface card (NIC) in your computer. You may also need to install a router in your home for sharing connections to the internet.

Thenetworking section of the Windows XP siteincludes a collection of articles covering the various types of networks, what you need to buy for each type, and how to set up your network.

TheSet up a secure wireless network using Windows Connect Nowarticle by Expert Zone columnist Barb Bowman is helpful if you have Windows XP SP2. Another Expert Zone columnist, Tony Northrup, describes thewireless networking improvements in Windows XP SP2.

Help with set up
Because Microsoft no longer sells networking hardware, the information I suggested above focuses primarily on how to use the network features in Windows XP. If you're looking for step-by-step instructions that cover basic hardware installation, theBeginners Guides: Wireless home networkingarticle on PCStats.com is a good place to start. You might also want to look atCNET's video instructionsfor setting up a network.

Another resource I've found really helpful is the Microsoft Press BookMicrosoft Windows XP Networking Inside Outwhich is appropriate for those with basic to intermediate computer skills.

Troubleshooting information
If you run into problems setting up your network, here are some resources to try:

• The Windows XP online documentation has a good discussion of networking. Thewireless networking sectionhas helpful information.
• If you're comfortable with moderately technical details, you can download this Word document abouttroubleshooting Wireless networks.
• Also fairly technical, Microsoft's online support site section calledTroubleshooting wireless networkshas some of the same information found in the online documentation, plus additional troubleshooting steps to try.

I'll close with my number one recommendation for getting help: Try asking for help on theWindows XP networking newsgroup. What's really cool is that you can search the threads on the newsgroup, so you can start by entering a description of the problem you're having; it's possible someone has already answered your question.

Setting up a wireless network may be one of the more advanced tasks you'll undertake, so don't be discouraged if you don't get things running right away: the rewards of being able to connect to other computers and the Internet from all over your house should make your effort pay off nicely.

—Robbin Young