If you have two or more computers in your home or office,
connecting them via a network lets you cooperate, collaborate,
and make the most of your hardware. You can share files, printers,
and even access the Internet from all of your computers through
your network.
While networking was once a complicated matter, Windows 95, 98
and later versions, along with hardware like Belkin networking
products have made networking very easy to do for everyone. The
following section of this manual will help you set up a simple
network in your home or office. If you are connecting to a larger,
existing network, it is recommended that you consult your network
administrator (the person who originally set up the network) for
instruction on how to connect additional computers to the network.
There is a wide variety of network hardware available, ranging from
simple and inexpensive to very complex; however, for most home
and small offfice network needs, the hardware required is basic.
Creating a Simple Network
16