| A network is established when two or more computers are connected to each other for the purpose of exchanging data. Although networks have been common in large companies for decades, they're becoming more common in homes and small offices, not only because these environments are getting more computers, but because networking is becoming easier, cheaper, and more useful. Among the things you can do with a simple network are the following: -
- File sharing
-
Documents and even some applications stored on one computer can be accessed by another computer on the network, as though they were on the remote computer's hard disk. Put an end to walking floppies! -
- Device sharing
-
Printers connected to one computer can be used by any other computer on the network. The same goes for many scanners , backup devices, and even high-speed Internet devices, such as DSL and cable modems. -
- Online gaming
-
Networkable games can be played against other users on your local network or even over the Internet; after all, it's more fun blowing up your friends than computer-generated characters . -
- Communication
-
Send and receive email, chat, and even videoconference across the room or the country in seconds, over any type of network connection. -
- Web
-
The Web has become ubiquitous. Using Internet Explorer or the web browser of your choice, you can retrieve information from the other side of the world as easily as the other side of town. -
- Data collaboration
-
A network connection allows two or more users to simultaneously access the same database, useful for patient-tracking in a doctor's office, parallel development an application in a software company, or keeping track of bills and expenses at home. -
- Administration
-
Maintain and troubleshoot multiple computers over a network more easily. Using Remote Desktop Sharing (or a third-party alternative), control a remote computer as though you were sitting in front of it. Rather than spending several hours over the phone helping someone far away fix a problem with their computer, fix it yourself in a few minutes. The ability to perform these tasks depends only on your software and the speed of your connection. Since Windows XP includes built-in support for networking, as well as starter applications that provide all of the functionality just described, all that's left is setting it up. Fortunately, networking in Windows XP (and Windows 2000) is easier than in any previous version of Windows. The convoluted and temperamental networking subsystem in Windows 9x/Me has been completely abolished, and the cryptic networking found in Windows NT 3.x/4.x has been greatly simplified and streamlined. In this chapter, we'll cover the steps required to connect your computer to a network and use the connection to its fullest. It's important to note at this point that when you connect your computer to a network, you can dramatically increase its exposure to hackers and viruses. See the Section 7.2.5, later in this chapter, for more information on safeguarding your computer.  |
