So you've made the decision to install a home network and you're roaring and ready to go with it. But have you done it before? Perhaps the dreams of not fighting over who can go online next, streamlining your office, and sharing files with other computers in your home has you a bit excited. But do you know what type of network is best for you? Do you know the basic principles to installing a network in your home? Do you know how to set up a wireless network? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then perhaps you should read on.

Network types

First of all, a network allows you to have multiple computers connected to the same internet connection, share files between the computers in your home, print documents through a printer that is connected to a different computer, and share files that are stored on other computers. It seems like a dream come true, doesn't it? But what is the best type of network for you? You have to make the decision of whether or not you want a wireless network or a wired network. If you choose wireless, you have to know how to set it up so that all of the computers can talk wirelessly to the network router. If not all of the computers are wireless capable, then you may have to move to a wired network. With a wired network you have to worry about running wire throughout your home or investing in upgrades for your computers to make them wireless.

You also have to know what type of activities you and your family are going to be doing on all of the computers. This is because you want to invest in a router that can handle the load. If the router cannot handle the load, then you're going to have computers within your home getting booted off of the network.

Network installation

The network installation part can be either easy or complicated. It depends on how you look at it. You have to have an internet connection and you have to know your network type. You also have to know what computers in your home are wireless capable and which are not in case you choose to do the upgrades instead of installing wire throughout your home. If you're setting up a wireless network, the easiest way to connect is if you have Windows Connect Technology through your Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, or Windows 98/ME. Then again, you could be running a different operating system, which can make setting up your network a bit more difficult than if you were running on a Windows operating system.

An alternative

Then again, you could probably save yourself a lot of headaches by hiring a professional to take care of the installation process. A professional will do an assessment to determine what type of equipment you need to give you a network that is complete. If any of your computers need what is called a network adapter to become wireless capable, the installer can help you with that. Once all of the equipment is determined and acquired, the network installer can then run wire or set up your wireless network for you. You'll be connected in no time and the only thing you have to do is reach in your wallet. Fortunately, home network installation is not an expensive endeavor and it takes a lot off of your mind. You don't want to buy all of the wrong equipment, hook it up, and then find nothing works. If you're not sure, turn to a professional so that you know everything is right.