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Consider the Configuration

You'll also want to plan how your network will be configured. At the bare minimum, a home network lets you print from any computer and access files from other computers without leaving your chair.

Remember: Most, but not all, printers can be shared. To find out if your printer can be shared, open Control Panel and select Printers. Right-click your printer icon, and choose Properties. If there's a Shared tab in the dialog box that appears, click the tab and make sure the share option is selected. You're ready to share the printer.

You can also share an Internet connection, but methods vary: Every version of Windows from Windows 98 on includes Microsoft's built-in Internet Connection Sharing, and some home network packages have their own software. The only problem with this setup is that the computer connected to the Internet (the server or host) has to be turned on to share its connection with the other computers (the clients). If this is inconvenient, there is a solution: You can use a gateway with a built-in router--a piece of hardware that handles Internet traffic a little like a switchboard. This device is commonly referred to simply as a router.

You should also consider encryption. Any determined person can gain access to an unencrypted network without too much trouble. With a HomePlug network, for example, someone could get access by tapping into the power line in a shared wall in an apartment building or hotel. Encryption scrambles data so that only your network understands what its computers are saying to each other. The process involves creating your own encryption key--a series of letters and numbers, like a password--according to the encryption software instructions.

Wireless networks and HomePlug have encryption built into the standard; HomePNA does not. For HomePNA, you'll have to install another form of protection, such as a firewall program. With a wireless network, it's imperative that you set up encryption--remember, there's no physical barrier. Be aware, though, that the wireless security protocol is widely regarded as inadequate--you should think about adding another layer of defense, like firewall software. Check out PC World's review of the latest personal firewall packages in "Protect Your PC."

Finally, there's the issue of dynamic versus static (or "fixed") IP addresses. An IP address is a numeric identifier--four sets of up to three digits separated by dots (such as 123.456.7.89) assigned to a device on a network. In many cases, the network you're connecting to issues your PC a temporary IP address when you log in, which you keep for the duration of your session. This is a dynamic IP address, and it suits most people just fine.

But if you're more ambitious and want to set up a Web site, or a printer or other device that can be accessed over the Internet, you'll need a static IP address, one that never changes. Your Internet service provider has to give you a static IP address for the Net--and this usually costs extra. In addition, many ISPs don't allow home users to run servers.

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• home network,
• how to set up a home network,
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• HomePNA,
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• phone line network