| It wasn't long ago that building a home network was | | | | Everybody uses email now and is aware of a few |
| something which was only done by IT professionals | | | | networking terms (HTTP, ping, etc.). Routers and IP |
| and serious geeks. The cost and difficulty made it hard | | | | addresses are no longer the sole dominion of nerds. |
| for anyone else to do. But things have changed since | | | | People are also much more aware of security issues |
| then. | | | | than once was the case. Thousands of pages have |
| Now, the costs of the equipment are far lower. | | | | been written about fraud and identity theft due to poor |
| Wireless gear is about the same price as is cabled | | | | computer security, making people better informed |
| network equipment; and a length of Cat 5 Ethernet | | | | about the issue. While they may not follow every |
| cable costs no more than does an audio cable. | | | | security procedure recommended by experts, they |
| Routers were once hundreds of dollars but can now | | | | are at least aware of the risks. Most of us have had a |
| be had for very little money indeed. At the same time, | | | | computer virus by now, so we all know why it's |
| speeds have increased. | | | | important to protect our computers and home |
| Both wireless and cabled networks have gotten better. | | | | networks. |
| Wireless was once only something done as an | | | | The biggest problem for many people is simply |
| experiment; almost anything could knock out your | | | | familiarizing themselves with the technical terms |
| network and the distance of these networks was | | | | involved in networking; NICs, protocols and so on. Once |
| quite limited. These networks can now easily provide | | | | that barrier is overcome, it's pretty easy to do the rest. |
| networking for a three story home (as well as for your | | | | Internet connection sharing, once a difficult task is a |
| neighbors if it isn't secured). | | | | simple matter today - there is a little research, maybe |
| The best part is that it's not only the cost which has | | | | a little troubleshooting and you're good to go. |
| come down; it's also easier than ever to set up. The | | | | So if you're interested in building a home network, then |
| equipment now available has better documentation | | | | get going and start connecting all of those computers |
| which makes it easy even for the less than technically | | | | in your home together. You'll easily be able to set up |
| skilled to set up a home network. The configuration is | | | | file and print sharing. You won't need to pass files in |
| far easier and tools to troubleshoot problems are also | | | | your household via email and CDs. You'll have better |
| simpler than they once were. | | | | security and you'll be able to do all the stuff which only |
| Your average person also knows a lot more about | | | | the pros could do a few years ago; that's the best |
| computers than they did even a few years ago. | | | | part of all. |