Why You Need a Network -- What Is a LAN? -- It's Simpler Than You Might Think -- A Guided Tour of Les's LAN -- What Can You Do with a Network? -- Sharing Your Internet Connection -- Multiple IP Addresses (Ethernet Switch) -- Using Windows XP's Internet Connection Sharing (Proxy Server) -- Using a Router/Firewall (Router) -- Sharing Files and Printers -- File Sharing -- Printer Sharing -- Enjoying Multimedia Convergence -- Using Digital Media on a Home Network -- Home Media Hubs -- TiVo Series2 -- Microsoft Media Center PC -- Playing Head-to-Head Games -- A Networking Crash Course -- Network Connection Basics -- Internet Protocol -- IP Addressing -- Understanding Client-Server and Peer Networks -- Client-Server Networks -- Peer-to-Peer Networks -- Designing Your LAN -- Designing Your Network -- Wired, Wireless, or Both? -- Is Wireless Best for You? -- Should You Stick With a Wired Network? -- "No new wires" Alternatives -- Evaluating Your Options -- Ethernet Networks -- Wireless Networks -- Sorting Through the Standards -- Wireless Architecture -- Wireless Coverage Area -- Wireless Security -- HomePlug -- Getting the Right Stuff -- Choosing a Network Adapter -- Desktop Ethernet Adapters -- Desktop Wireless Adapters -- Laptop Ethernet Adapters -- Laptop Wireless Adapters -- Choosing an Ethernet Switch -- Choosing a Wireless Access Point -- Why Use a Standalone Access Point? -- Wireless LAN Security -- Choosing a Router/Firewall -- How Routers Work -- All-in-One Routers -- Choosing a Print Server -- Installing Your LAN -- Installing an Ethernet LAN -- Installing Ethernet Cables -- Planning Your Network -- Cable System Components -- Installing Your Network Hardware -- Installing an Ethernet Switch -- Installing Network Adapters -- Installing a Wireless LAN -- Before You Install -- Installing Wireless Adapters -- PCI Wireless Adapters -- CardBus, PC Card, and USB Wireless Adapters -- Configuring Your Wireless Adapter -- Installing Your Access Point -- Surveying Your Wireless LAN -- Connecting and Configuring the Access Point -- Securing Your Wireless LAN -- Configuring Your Network -- How Windows Networking Works -- Configuring Your Network -- How OS X Networking Works -- Sharing Files and Printers with Other Macs -- Sharing Files and Printers with PCs -- Windows IP Addressing Basics -- Automatic IP Addressing -- Alternate IP Configuration -- Using Your LAN -- Sharing Internet Access -- How IP Addressing Works -- Configuring Your Router -- Checking Your PC's IP Configuration -- Configuring Your Router -- Configuring a Linksys Router -- Configuring a D-Link Router -- Sharing Files on Your LAN -- How File Sharing Works -- Windows File Sharing -- Sharing a Folder -- Sharing a Drive -- Accessing Shared Drives and Folders -- Controlling Automatic Discovery -- Mapping a Network Drive -- Mac OS X File Sharing -- Sharing Printers -- How Network Printing Works -- Windows XP Printer Sharing -- Mac OS X Printer Sharing -- Using a Print Server -- Using a Network-Ready Printer -- Connecting to a Shared Printer -- Using Shared Printers in Windows XP -- Using Shared Printers in Mac OS X -- Home Media and Convergence -- Home Entertainment Devices -- Linksys Wireless Media Adapter -- TiVo -- Media Center PCs -- A Quick Tour of Media Center -- Media Center Extenders -- Network Gaming -- Video on Your LAN -- D-Link i2eye VideoPhone -- Security -- Protecting Your LAN -- DoS Attacks -- Port Scans -- Backdoor Protection -- Wireless LAN Security -- Protecting Your PCs -- Antivirus Software -- Spyware Protection -- Vigilance Is Good Protection Too! -- Advanced Networking Topics -- Customizing Your Firewall Configuration -- Setting Up a Public Server -- Restricting Internet Access -- Using a Dedicated File Server -- Advantages of a Dedicated File Server -- Setting Up a File Server -- Server Backup Options -- Network Attached Storage Servers -- Linksys NSLU2 -- Installing the NSLU2 -- Using the NSLU2 -- Home Networking Cookbook -- Troubleshooting Your LAN.
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This book is a hands-on guide to choosing, building and using a home network. Veteran networking author and PC Magazine expert Les Freed shares with readers his many years of networking experience and insider status and guides them, step by step through the confusing and intimidating world of home networking. First, Les covers the need to know basics of networking, including the various types of networking equipment, and how to choose the right type of network for their home. Next, readers roll up their sleeves and actually construct their network - wired, wireless, or even using the electrical wiring already in the walls of their home. Each step of the way, PC Magazine expert Les Freed is right there with them, with hands-on guidance, tips, tricks, and work-arounds that only come from years of networking experience. Next, readers set up all the necessary software on their Windows XP PC, or Apple Mac OS X computer, and quickly and easily are able to share files, printers and internet connections - all safely and securely. New special emphasis is placed on using the network to share entertainment and digital media. Readers will find how-tos on sharing TV, video, photos, music and more.