Chapter 18. Setting up a Small Network

You create a network when you connect two or more computers to exchange data or share equipment. Cheap hardware and simpler configurations have made networks common in homes and small businesses. Setup is no longer a bad experience, thanks to Windows’ setup tools and wizards (but the hassle of buying and installing network hardware remains). You can add computers running Windows XP to your network too.

Networks let you:

Share files. You can designate disks, folders, and files as shared network resources.

Share printers and devices. Any computer on the network can use a printer connected to another network computer. Ditto for backup devices, scanners, and other devices.

Share an internet connection. You can set ...

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