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If you want to network your Windows 9x PCs or notebooks, but don't want to string network cables through your walls, wireless networks offer a tidy alternative. Though less expandable and slower than cables, they work within a radius of about 150 feet through walls, ceilings, and floors, so you can sit on the deck with your notebook and get files from your desktop, or send files to a printer in your home office. Add Internet-sharing software, and you can even surf the Internet.

To install a wireless network, you'll need an ISA or, better, a PCI wireless network card for each desktop, and a PC Card for each notebook. You can buy the necessary components separately or in kits, which usually handle two PCs or one PC and one notebook. Wireless networks are a bit more expensive than wired networks; prepare to pay $100 to $150 per PC.

Most wireless networks operate at the leisurely speed of 1 to 2 mbps. Although that's much slower than the 10- or 100-mbps speeds of wired networks, it's still good for casual use and for going online.

The steps involved in installing a wireless network vary by manufacturer, but here's an overview of the process for both desktops and notebooks.