We're all working (and playing) in a digital world. Computers, entertainment systems, satellite cable, and Internet connections-they're multiplying in virtually every household. Before you attempt to connect all the dots, check out Wiring Home Networks, the just-in-time home network how-to guide from Sunset. Step-by-step instructions help you create your own home networks for computers, video, audio, and phone systems. Need to extend DSL service to more than one computer, add cable or satellite TV access in several rooms, or increase the number of remote speakers for your CD or DVD system? This book shows you how. Even electricians and contractors who understand how to work with AC wiring, but who have little experience with data, audio, or video networks, will benefit from its easy-to-follow directions. Don't get frustrated-get wired, today!

Play music in the living room from your PC in your home office. Connect to the Internet on your laptop in any room in your house. It can be done and all by you! Building a Home Entertainment Network: Multimedia in Every Room will show you how to take an Internet connection, digital audio and video equipment, and a PC, and then integrate them into a home entertainment powerhouse. Building a Home Entertainment Network will show you how to exploit your computer and other devices. You'll even learn tips on how to plan for your home entertainment network and how to purchase the best equipment. You have all the pieces, now just learn how to put them all together!

This full-color, hands-on networking guide shows you how to set up and maintain your wired or wireless network. Hundreds of step by step screenshots show you the settings that work. Covers Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP Home and Windows XP Pro. Also covering wireless networking, you'll learn how to properly secure and encrypt your wireless network.

This book is more than a guide. It is a valuable reference that is written in plain, non-technical language so readers can put the information to use straightaway. There are descriptions of the latest technologies, protocols, services, and software packages. The reader will unearth methods on how to create an economical and secure network for their families as well as their home-based business. The author teaches how to pick the right networking solution; finding free and low-cost connection software; ensuring network security, as well as how to save money by sharing an Internet connection among multiple PCs. And most importantly, the homeowner will discover how to plan for their network's future extensibility. All of this while learning how to use the home network to work, communicate, and play in new ways.

The beauty of a home network is that it can make life so easy--what could be better than sharing an Internet connection so that everyone can be online at the same time? With home networking you can move files from one computer to another, share resources, print to a single printer or multiple printers from any computer in the house, and IM the kids when they're holed up in their rooms. And the downside? Anyone who's ever had to troubleshoot a network glitch doesn't need to ask that question. The simple words, "Why can't I print? Why can't I get to the Internet? Why does my computer say 'Access Denied' today, when it worked fine yesterday?" are enough to send the home network administrator running for cover. And the concept of "network security" can keep the soundest sleeper tossing and turning all night.Currently, more than 8 million homes in the US have installed a network of some kind, and within five years, that number is expected to jump to 37 million. This speaks to the availability of easy-to-install home networking products. Unfortunately, there's also a glut of potential headaches that can occur after installation (and during, sometimes) with no warning label on the box saying, "This product sure to cause annoyances."But help is here. Home Networking Annoyances will ease the headaches and annoyances of anyone who runs a home network. This book tackles all the common annoyances associated with running your network--whether it's wired or wireless, or a combination thereof. Its friendly, off-the-cuff approach will put you in a position of power over those home networking glitches, including file sharing, printing, cabling, security, and much more. You'll find dozens of on-target tips, workarounds, and fixes that will help you improve your home networking experience in every way possible.Whether you're a mainstream business user or a home user with newly installed network hardware, you've probably had your patience tested by frustrating network maintenance issues. Take a stand against annoyances now: just as the bestselling PC Annoyances brought peace and happiness to PC users everywhere, Home Networking Annoyances is your ticket to serenity.

Just as one car isn't enough for most households, one computer isn't going to fulfil the needs of a family, a couple, or a busy professional. Setting up a wired or wireless home network is well within the reach of the average person, provided he or she chooses the right setup for their needs. Brilliant Home&Wireless Networking will describe common network configurations and guide you step by step through the process of getting your PCs connected to the Internet and to each other. You'll learn the ins and outs of Ethernet, Wi-Fi, IP addresses, and file sharing. You'll discover how to go wireless so you can work from anywhere in the home. Finally, you'll explore ways to keep your network and your children secure from hackers, viruses, and other threats. Brilliant Home&Wireless Networking provides . * A visual tutorial taking you from networking novice to accomplished user in easy steps. * A guide to optimising your use of a wired or wireless home network, making it a more integral part of you life. * Essential guidance on the vast array of software and peripheral hardware available to you, allowing you to make the right choices for how you want to work Brilliant Series Features: * Detailed index and troubleshooting guide to help you find exactly what you need to know * Each task is presented on one or two pages * Numbered steps guide you through each task or problem * Numerous screenshots illustrate each step * See Also boxes point you to related tasks and information in the book * Did you know ?...sections alert you to relevant expert tips, tricks and advice

A straightforward, graphic-based reference for securing your home network  Set up a firewall Secure your wireless network Stop adware and spyware Keep your children safe from online threats Prevent a virus outbreak Avoid Internet scams  Phishing. Malware. Spyware. Trojan horses. Firewalls. Parental controls. If you have a home computer connected to the Internet, you need to understand these security terms. If that connection is high-speed (always on) or you run a wireless network, your need–your vulnerability–is that much greater. Now, with Home Network Security Simplified, you can get illustrated, easy-to-digest information written specifically for your needs.   For each class of security threat, Home Network Security Simplified provides a tutorial–including tricks and tools that hackers use, a primer on network security design fundamentals, and step-by-step instructions on implementing security solutions. The authors also offer tips for monitoring your network and show what to do in the event of a security breach. Specifically, you will learn how to: Home Network Security Simplified features engaging four-color illustrations throughout, as well as informative security tips and pointers to other resources for more advanced information. Use this book to find the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your home network and your information are secure.   Jim Doherty is the director of marketing and programs with Symbol Technologies’ industry solutions group. Prior to joining Symbol, Jim worked at Cisco Systems, where he led various marketing campaigns for IP telephony and routing and switching solutions. Jim has 17 years of engineering and marketing experience across a broad range of networking and communications technologies. Jim is a coauthor of the Networking Simplified series, including Cisco Networking Simplified, Home Networking Simplified, and Internet Phone Services Simplified. He is also the author of the “Study Notes” section of CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack (CCNA Self-Study, Exam #640-801), Second Edition. Jim is a former Marine Corps sergeant; he holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from N.C. State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Duke University.   Neil Anderson is the senior manager of enterprise systems engineering at Cisco Systems. Neil has more than 20 years of engineering experience including public telephone systems, mobile phone systems, Internet, and home networking. At Cisco, Neil’s focus is large corporate customers in the areas of routing and switching, wireless, security, and IP communications. Neil is a coauthor of the Networking Simplified series, including Home Networking Simplified and Internet Phone Services Simplified. Neil holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science.   This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, the only authorized publisher for Cisco Systems.  

Networked PCs are more powerful, convenient, cost-effective, and fun. SOHO Networking gives you all the help you need to build your network fast - and make the most of it! Step by step, you'll learn how to choose between wired and wireless networks, set up and secure your network, share your resources and Web connections, build a networked home entertainment system - even use your network as a low-cost phone system!

This book explains why and how different types of home media network systems are used to provide audio, data and video media distribution throughout a home or business. You will learn the basic needs for audio, data and video distribution and how existing or new wireless and wired systems in a home can be used to control and deliver media. Discover how media signals can be converted to a common packet digital format (data) so they can be transferred over home data networks. You will learn about the different types of home data transmission types including telephone line, power line wireless and coaxial lines and wired data lines. Learn how home networks have evolved from basic data services for Internet access to guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) for telephone and television services. Discover the different types of access control systems used in home networks including random data access and reserved media control and how the different types of access control methods can share the same type of system. Home networking systems use key technologies to provide for reliable high-speed data transmission including adaptive modulation, echo control, synchronized transmission, interference avoidance, power level control and channel bonding. The key types of home networks are described which include HomePNA, HomePlug, DHS, HD-PLC, MOCA, TVNet, 802.11 and Wireless LAN and how these systems can co-exist with each other. Some of the most important topics featured include: . Multimedia Distribution Needs . Transmission over Phone line, Power Line, Coax, Data Cable and Wireless. . Access Control Processes . Key Technologies Used in Home Networks . Home Network Mixed Media Operation . HomePNA, HomePlug, DHS, HD-PLC, TVNet, MOCA and Wi-Fi . Device and System Co-existence . Portable Media Rights . Media Management using DLNA

-- Build Your Own Home Network is a low-cost, build-it-yourself, highly visual guide to creating a home network under a peer-to-peer and Ethernet hookup. It covers all the costs and equipment necessary for easy setup and use.-- Includes more than 100 photographs! Photo after photo teaches the reader step-by-step how to set up and configure their network.-- Includes complete coverage of peer-to-peer networking, Windows 98, Ethernet and wireless topics.-- Visual Glossary covers basic networking hardware for easy identification.-- Author, Ron Gilster, is a big name and draw in the hardware market.