A network allows everyone to share peripheral devices such as a printer, a router for access to the internet and access files on alternative computers or an external storage device. A wireless network allows you to do this without being linked to something physically, such as an Ethernet cable.
This means that as long as you are in range of the router (highly likely in the usual home in London) - you can connect to any of these devices from anywhere in the residence.
For instance, you can print documents from the printer in the bedroom, while viewing television and surfing the internet in the living space.
You might want to acquire the song files that you have downloaded from the internet while sitting on the toilet in the bathroom and upload them to your external hard drive which is situated in the front room.
Perhaps you want to hook up your iphone to the house network and surf the web from your bedroom.
If you have an internet ready TV, you can even stream a film or home movie from your laptop straight to it. The point about a wireless network is that it gives you flexibility.
So how do I set-up a wireless network?
OK. Things you’ll need -
An internet connection (obviously)
a wireless router that connects to the internet service
a wireless adaptor for every PC you want to connect (this is already built into most laptops)
At this time, if you have a desktop PC, you’ll need to turn off the PC, open the case and insert the adaptor into a free PCI slot on the motherboard. Now restart your PC. Windows will detect the new adapter and ask you to install the driver on the CD-ROM that came with it. For an easy life and unless you’re an expert, follow the directions. They are more often than not idiot proof and it will most probably install quickly and simply. If you have several Desktop Computers at home, repeat this procedure on each.
Now, unpack your new wireless router. Follow the instructions and insert the CD ROM into your PC. Most wireless routers have videos explaining what connections you need to make to get it working. Follow the directions for that easy life you’re looking for.
Normally speaking, the router connects to the internet. And everything else connects to the router. The router is the hub of the network. It is centre or heart if you like. Every device connects to it either by fixed wire or wirelessly.
If you’ve followed the instructions correctly, you will be asked to create a name for the network. Call it something that will permit you to identify it without difficulty. In London and other densely populated cities, you will find hundreds of wireless networks. So make yours straightforward to find - - if your first name is Janet, call it ‘Janet’s awesome secret network’. If your name is not Janet call it something else obviously.
Keep following the set-up system and make certain that you put in the encryption software and a password for your network. Otherwise anyone will be able to connect to it and use your resources. This will mean your connection will slow down. And you don’t necessarily want to be associated with what your neighbour is downloading to his laptop.
So the network is developed. Your router is broadcasting its wireless signal. What now?
Well, if you have a printer, most likely it won’t have a wireless adaptor. So you are going to want to get either an Ethernet cable or a USB cable and link that to your router to make it accessible to the other devices.
Keep in mind, when buying peripheral devices that you want to network wirelessly, that your average wireless router will probably only have 1 USB socket. However, it will most likely have 4 or more Ethernet sockets. So, buy devices with Ethernet connections as well as USB connections. This is particularly important for external hard drives. It’s doubtful that you will have the ability to network it if you only have a USB connection on it.
As soon as you have connected your device to the network, you will need to go back to your PC and check that it has been acknowledged by Windows and that you can access it. Usually this will be automatic. If not, then you will need to go into My pC - Hardware and Sound - Add New Device. And add the device manually.
Usually the later the operating system i.e. Windows 7, the easier it will be to set up a home wireless network.
And that’s pretty much it. A wireless network is easy to set up and infinitely useful. And now that you’re all connected, pick up your laptop and catch up with your acquaintances on facebook with a beer on the balcony.
Author Resource:-
Networking is getting a lot easier to set up these days especially if you are running Windows 7. I have written a quick guide on how I got my network up and running. Generally speaking, the router connects to the internet. And everything else connects to the router. The router is the hub of the network. It’s centre or heart if you like. Every device connects to it either by fixed wire or wirelessly. If you follow these instructions correctly, you’ll be asked to create a name for your network. Call it something that will allow you to identify it easily.
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