Networking

  If your home or small business has more than one computer, chances are you could benefit from networking them. A local area network (LAN) connects your home and company's computers, allowing them to share and exchange a variety of information. While one computer can be useful on its own, several networked computers can be much more useful.

 Have you ever needed to access a file stored on another computer? A network makes it easy for everyone to access the same file and prevents people from accidentally creating different versions. And you won't have to worry about where you left that floppy disk!

  If you use a computer, chances are you also use a printer. With a network, several computers can share the same printer. Although you might need a more expensive printer to handle the added workload, it's still cheaper to use a network printer than to connect a separate printer to every computer in your office.

  If you have several computers but just one phone line, a network makes using the Internet much easier. Several computers can share one modem to use the same Internet connection. Or you can even install a dedicated high-speed Internet connection (such as a cable modem or DSL) for your network.

  You should know by now that it's vital to back up your computer data regularly. A network makes it easier to back up all of your data on one set of tapes, CDs or other backup systems.

  Of course this isn't a complete list -- once you have a network, you'll probably find many other uses for it. And once you get used to the benefits of a network, you'll never look at your computer the same way again. Call me I can help.

Thursday, October 08, 2009 08:01:25 PM