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Home Networking Overview
Computer networking has been around for over thirty years, but the last several years have computer networking has become a standard in many homes.

Analysts expect at least ten times as many home networks to be built over the next several years in the USA alone!

Benefits of Home Networking
Some of you likely share files between computers using floppy disks. A home network allows you to share files much faster without disks, simply by utilizing the available network connections between computers. Networks also open an entire new range of applications like telecommuting, online games, and much more.

What Took So Long?
Several factors prevented networks from appearing in our homes sooner, but the largest influence has been the relatively high cost of computers, network hardware and the complexity of integration. In the recent years the cost of technology: computers, network hardware and operating systems has dropped substantially, allowing many families to invest in home networking.

Where Do I Start?
Technology makers now offer many products designed specifically for home networking. However the reality of networking is not as simple as it is portrayed by many manufacturers, networking is complex due to the fact that there are so many products and technologies to choose from for example Wired or Wireless, MAC or PC, MAC and PC, Security, and the list goes on. For a novice this can be an intimidating process since there is a wide variety of technologies and manufacturers, there are no clear or obvious choices. Systems Plus has over 15 years of experience networking at both the home and corporate level, our experience is your benefit!

Home Network Design
Choosing a proper design for the home network first can save money later. How many computers will your network have in the next year or two? A network with just two computers can involve a very different design than a network with five, for example. Other important factors in network design include reliability and performance.

Operating Systems for Home Networks
An operating system that supports networking, often called a network operating system (NOS), plays an important part in the home. Besides the computer networking itself, an operating system also is responsible for running popular applications like the Web browser, email clients, and Napster. Microsoft Windows remains the most popular operating system in the home, but other lower cost alternatives also exist. Even within the Microsoft family, an operating system like Windows 2000 contains different support for networking than does Windows 95, for example.

Wired vs. Wireless Networking
The home networker can choose from either wireless or wired designs. Wireless networks provide more mobility to a person in and around their home, and they make especially good sense for laptop networking. Networks with wires or cables, on the other hand, usually cost less than wireless, may perform faster and more reliably, and make good sense for desktop networking. Choosing between wired and wireless options can be difficult, but making an informed decision here can save money and increase one's overall satisfaction with their home network.

Home Internet Service
Although you do not need access to benefit from a home network, a majority of home networkers want to "get on the Net." Depending on where you live, several different form of Internet service might be available, including traditional modem dial-up, ISDN, DSL or cable modem, and "satellite" service. The choice of Internet service has ramifications for your home network planning.

Systems Plus Computers, Inc.

Centerra Park 12 Centerra Parkway, Suite 20, Lebanon, NH 03766
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