Networking home computers
is easier than you think
(and more secure)!
- Looking for easy to understand instructions for networking home computers?
- Do you wish your home computers were connected or "networked" together somehow?
- Do you want to share that high speed internet connection AND make it safer?
- Need to share files between you and your spouse's (or children's) computer?
- Do you wish everyone could print to just one printer?
- Would you like to take that new wireless laptop out on the porch with the morning coffee and read your email or catch up on your favorite web sites?
This site will help you do all of that and more!
Using clear, straight- forward, non-technical language I will provide you with free step-by-step walk-throughs, guides and tutorials for networking home computers. As a 
professional network engineer, I am often asked about networking home computers. While I can give some good tips standing around the water cooler, this question requires more than a few 20 second hints to get it right. I built this web site to help all those people and you too!
Computers are made for networking
Computer networks are usually found in the business place but there is NO reason you can't build a computer network in your house. Heck, the computer under your desk at home is not so very different from the one under your desk at work.
Most modern computers already have networking hardware built-in and no extra software is required to build your home network. Even if you are missing a few pieces, the parts are easy to find locally or online and inexpensive to purchase. The benefits of home computer networking are clear and numerous AND it's easier than you think!
Now, you may not have a "server" at home but guess what? No server is required to network a small group of computers! And we can even show you how to make one of your existing computers act like a server and "serve" up files and services like printer sharing.
Use the buttons on the left side of the page to get started with networking home computers quickly or keep reading if you want to learn more about the different areas here at networking-home-computers.com...
Why a network?
A wide range of benefits can be provided by networking home computers and they can serve a broad range of purposes. Learn why you should have a home network already (especially if you have an "always-on" high speed internet connection like cable or DSL).
Here you can learn about the different types of home networks, review a glossary of networking terms, and see what things can and can't be networked.
A little prior planning can go a long way towards eliminating headaches and minimizing trips to the local electronics superstore. Educate yourself with network diagrams of the most common home networks and get tips on building or expanding your home network.
Here you can get step by step instructions on building your own home network including pictures, diagrams and best practices for traditional wired networks including the use of a router to keep your network secure from hackers.
In this section we also provide clear, concise steps and best practices to build your wireless network - safely! Studies show that the majority of home wireless networks are highly insecure and "wide open" for abuse! Even if you have a wireless network already, this section is highly recommended - a MUST READ!
Routers, firewalls, wireless network adapters - a home network is made up of all these and more. Here we provide you with what you need to know about network hardware AND what you can forget!
Once you have a home network, you can do some pretty useful things with it. From monitoring where your kids go on the internet to popping "time to eat dinner" messages on their screens to remotely checking your kid cam, you can learn how to do it here.
Creating a secure environment should be your highest priority when networking home computers! Networks provide "doors" into your private realm and not everyone who knocks should be allowed to come in. In this section we show you best practices and simple techniques to keep your network safe for you and your family.
