Network Know-How

Using a Server at Home

A server on a home network can do all the same things that a server on a business network can do, but many of those business functions are probably not particularly important at home. A typical home network server is mainly useful for storing and sharing files (such as music and videos), making automatic backups, and maybe hosting web pages and email.

However, a local server is not always the best way to manage email or host web pages. Using the hosting services that are included with your Internet connection is often easier; a good hosting service will handle all of the security issues and other maintenance for you. Many Internet service providers will give you a separate email address for each family member and provide ...