PC Magazine Home Networking Solutions

  • Les Freed shares his many years of networking experience and insider status to guide readers step by step through the confusing and intimidating world of home networking
  • Features special emphasis on using the network for entertainment and digital media, offering invaluable how-to advice on sharing TV, video, photos, music, and more
  • Begins with the need-to-know basics of networking, including the various types of networking equipment and choosing the right type of network
  • Readers roll up their sleeves and actually construct their network-either wired or wireless-or by even using the existing electrical wiring already in the walls of their home
  • Shows readers how to set up all the necessary software on their Windows XP PC or Apple Mac OS X computer so they can quickly, easily, and safely share files, printers, and Internet connections

Biography

Les Freed has been a contributing editor at PC Magazine since 1994 and a frequent contributor since 1990. Before joining PC Magazine, Les was founder and CEO of Crosstalk Communications, developers of the popular Crosstalk data communications program for PCs—back in the days before the Internet made communications software obsolete. Prior to founding Crosstalk, Les was a Senior Technician and Videotape Editor at CBS News from 1976 to 1981 and a Cameraman and News Editor at WTVJ-TV in Miami from 1972 to 1976. He graduated from the University of Miami in 1974 with B.A. in Electronic Journalism. Les is the author or co-author of 14 books on networking, computing, and digital photography.
Les and long-time collaborator Frank Derfler shared the 1993 Computer Press Association award for Best How-To Book for their book How Networks Work, still in print in its 6th edition.

Table of Contents

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Part I: Why You Need a Network.

Chapter 1: What Is a LAN?

Chapter 2: What Can You Do with a Network?

Chapter 3: A Networking Crash Course.

Part II: Designing Your LAN.

Chapter 4: Designing Your Network.

Chapter 5: Getting the Right Stuff.

Part III: Installing Your LAN.

Chapter 6: Installing an Ethernet LAN.

Chapter 7: Installing a Wireless LAN.

Chapter 8: Configuring Your Network.

Part IV: Using Your LAN.

Chapter 9: Sharing Internet Access.

Chapter 10: Sharing Files on Your LAN.

Chapter 11: Sharing Printers.

Chapter 12: Home Media and Convergence.

Chapter 13: Security.

Chapter 14: Advanced Networking Topics.

Appendix A: Home Networking Cookbook.

Appendix B: Troubleshooting Your LAN.

Appendix C: Online Resources.

Glossary.

Index.

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