Upgrade Guide

You have two or more Windows 9x systems in your office or home. They live together but they aren't on intimate terms because you are terrified of networking them. Don't fret--you're not the only PC owner who doubts their ability to make this relationship work.

But creating a network isn't as difficult as you may think, and the advantages are worth the effort. A simple peer-to-peer network, in which each PC can act as a server to the others, enables systems to share files, printers, and--given the right software--an Internet connection.

Wireless networks may be simpler, but traditional wired ethernet networks are faster (10 or 100 megabits per second) and more expandable. A peer-to-peer network requires a network interface card and cable for each PC, a hub (that is, a multiported device to which all the PCs connect), network drivers, and the network software built into Windows 9x.

While you can buy the pieces separately, many vendors sell convenient starter kits, complete with the equipment and instructions for hooking up two or three PCs.

The exact steps vary by vendor, but here's an overview of the process.