Networking features of Windows XP

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A network is more than the sum of its parts. Networked computers canshare an Internet connection, printer and other hardware, and viewfiles in common. You can even use a network to play multi-user computergames.
Linking computers to create a network greatly expandstheir capacity and can even save you money! Does your home contain twoor more computers? By networking them, you can:
Share a single Internet connection:Microsoft® Windows® XP has a feature called Internet Connection Sharing(ICS). Using ICS, one computer, called the ICS host, shares itsInternet connection with the rest of the computers on the network. Bysharing one Internet connection, you can simultaneously surf the Web onyour computer while another family member checks e-mail on a differentcomputer.
Share a printer, scanner, and other hardware:You may have a printer that is connected to a computer in another room.With home networking, you can print to this printer from your computer.You no longer have to copy a file onto a floppy disk and take it to thecomputer that has the printer.
Share files and folders:Suppose your child asks you to look at a school report that is locatedon the computer in his or her bedroom. When computers are networkedtogether you can, for instance, open the file from your computer, makechanges, and then save the file on your child's computer.
Play multi-computer games:By networking and sharing an Internet connection, family members canplay games on separate computers with each other or on the Internet.And while they're playing, you can be surfing the Web, too — forexample, visiting your favorite financial or sports sites.
And there's more:Microsoft Windows XP makes home networking easier than ever. But firstyou must link your computers together, by installing appropriatehardware in each and by joining the computers with wires or by means ofwireless technology.
In next few days we explains the processfrom start to finish. You'll learn how to choose the right networktechnology for your home, the right components to obtain, and how toinstall and connect them properly. There's also a section on protectingyour home network from outside hackers by creating a secure barriercalled a firewall, the same as that used by businesses.
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