Home network software
explained by an expert!
In layman's terms everyone can understand
Home network software is a broad topic. It includes the nuts and bolts type of software such a network card drivers and router operating systems. It includes basic network configuration software and utilities such as ipconfig and ping and net send. It even includes advanced user facing software such as internet messaging applications.
Below we will categorize and review the different types of home network software available today.
Hardware Drivers and Operating Systems
This category includes the low level code that makes various pieces of network hardware function. They can be as as simple as a driver which only contains identifying code or as complex as a Linux based operating system for a home network router.
Hardware Drivers
When you install a new network adapter it usually comes with an installation disc that contains the "drivers" for that particular piece of hardware. The drivers allow the computer to "talk" to the device and contains instructions the computer reads in order to use the device for its intended purpose. Fortunately, all we really have to understand about hardware drivers is the fact that a particular piece of hardware requires particular drivers to operate and also when to insert the disc (or downloaded driver) to get the piece of hardware going.
Hardware Operating Systems
More advanced pieces of networking hardware require more advanced networking software. Home network routers and sometimes switches come complete with their very own operating system. Much like your computer has an operating system (such as a version of Windows™, one of Apple's™ flavors of Unix or the growing line of Linux-based operating systems), home network routers have their own basic operating system. They often consist of stripped down versions of Unix or Linux.
The stripped down nature of these operating systems is what makes them ideal for acting as guardians of your network. They don't contain anything that isn't required for the specific job. Fortunately for the home user, this operating system is rarely seen. The hardware manufacturers usually provide a web-based interface (also known as a GUI or Graphical User Interface) to assist in the setup and maintenance of the device. You can learn more about interacting with your home network router here.
Network Configuration Utilities
Some home network software is built into the operating system of your computer so you don't have to buy it or even install it. These utilities help you get your network set up and then are used to check network status or troubleshoot a problem. We will focus on the variety of utilities available in the Windows™ operating system since it is the most prevalent operating system. There are equivalents for other other operating systems though.
ipconfig - This command is used to show the current status of your network adapter including its current IP number, the subnet mask, and the adapter's default gateway.
net view - This command is used to show what other devices and resources are available on the same network.
ping - This command is used to determine whether your adapter can "see" another device over the network. It's like knocking on the bathroom door - if you hear an answer, you know someone is in there.
tracert - This an advanced networking command that displays the "route" that data takes to a particular destination. In home networks it is generally used to make sure that data can find it's way out of the default gateway.
All of the above commands are used from the "command prompt" or the "command line". You can access the command prompt in most versions of Windows by clicking the Start button, choosing Run, typing "cmd" in the Run box, and pressing Enter. This will start a command line session (a new window with a black background) where you can type one of the commands above. To get more specific help on any one of the above commands, type the command followed by "/?".
Network Access Software
This category of home network software is designed to either allow or deny access to a network or a particular network resource.
Network Communication Software
Having a data network allows users to communicate on screen by typing messages to one another or "chatting". Messaging applications can operate within your private network or across the public internet. Many commercial software packages are available as well as open source (free) packages and also built-in equivalents like net send.
