| ||
| ||
|
Hardware Information | |
|
|
Setting up a Network -- Wired or Wireless?
To Wire or Not to Wire Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won't be successful unless you chose the right type of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that each computer be connected via a wire to a central location, called a switch or hub. This often involves installing cables through walls and ceilings and can present a challenge for anyone. If the computers in your home or office are all within 500 feet of each other, a wireless network might be for you. A wireless network has no cables. It can connect computers on different floors of a building or even across the street. Aside from the obvious benefit of not having wires, wireless networks are more convenient since the setup, configuration, and reconfiguration can often be done within minutes, without extensive planning. Wireless networks, however, are not as fast as wired networks. If you play computer games or want to view streaming video or other high-speed multimedia, a wireless network might not have enough capacity. But, if you just want to check e-mail and view web pages, a wireless network is a good choice. To install a wireless network, you need a Wireless Access Point and a wireless network card for each computer. You will need to buy a wireless network card for each desktop computer, although most newer laptops come equipped with one. Security is not a large concern in a wired network, since someone would have to physically connect to a wired network to break in. In wireless networks, a car parked outside with a laptop could easily connect to your network if you don't have proper security in place. To prevent this from happening, encrypt your wireless network connections, or set a password to access the network, or do both. Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?If you decide to use a wired network, consider whether you will install it yourself or hire a professional. If you have a small number of computers that are all situated very close to one another, you may be able to buy pre-assembled network cables and connect them yourself. If you need to wire multiple floors and lay wire through ceilings and walls, you need a professional installation. If you go this route, it is best to begin with a floor plan of your office or home, determine what your current needs are, and consider how the network design can be adapted to future needs. A professional installer should be familiar with EIA/TIA standards, local wiring and electrical codes, and making custom cables. Network cabling professionals are often judged by the neatness of their work, because sloppy cabling is more apt to deteriorate over time, harder to manage, and poses more of a fire risk. Having a wireless network or a wired network is not mutually exclusive. Many small offices have a wired network in addition to one or more wireless networks, depending on their needs. Wireless networks are continuing to get faster, more secure, and less expensive. Wired networks will continue to coexist with wireless networks, often in the same homes and offices. Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Ten Things Everyone Should Know about Ordering an Inkjet Cartridge Online It is true. You can save a lot of time and money by ordering your next inkjet cartridge online. Laptop and Notebook Theft Prevention Laptops or Notebook computers are an expensive personal and business asset that are highly sought after by both small time thieves and large complicated theft rings. Keeping your laptop and notebook computers safely in your possession should always be in the back of your mind. Ten Tips to Safeguard Your Laptops The following is a list of tips to help safeguard your laptop while traveling or conducting business.1. Wireless Notebooks: What You Need To Know About Going Wireless! It's not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming increasingly wireless. Many of our daily activities that once needed a wired connection can now be done wirelessly!The cell phone craze was probably the first revolution that seemingly happened overnight. Motherboard Basics A recent Tech Tip covered the basics of selecting a computer case and made mention of the various sizes that correspond to motherboards of different form factors. A few people wrote in expressing interest in understanding more about the basics of motherboards, and that's exactly what this Tech Tip intends to address. What to Do Once You Are Infected with Spyware, Ad-ware or Viruses What to do once your PC is infected with spyware, ad-ware or virusesSo you've been running a virus program. Or you haven't. How To Purchase A Quality Laptop Computers Case So you finally have that new laptop you have been drooling over for the past 3 months, only there is one problem -- You don't have a case for it. You've probably already laid down over a grand for the notebook and you're telling yourself that you don't want to spend another $70 for a case. Drop On Demand Printers Most HP and Epson printers are drop on demand printers. They use electrical pulses to fulfill requests for ink. 5 Ways To Backup Your Data... The data on your hard drive is the most critical item inside your computer, and the only item which can not be replaced. It may be an unwanted hassle and expense to replace a defective memory module, monitor, or processor, but there is no replacing data once lost. Routing, Routed, and Non-Routable Protocols ROUTING PROTOCOLSA generic term that refers to a formula, or protocol, used by a router to determine the appropriate path over which data is transmitted. The routing protocol also specifies how routers in a network share information with each other and report changes. You Can Prevent Computer Slowdowns & Issues Most people understand preventive maintenance like changing the oil in your car will help your car run better and last longer. The same principle holds true for your PC. Hard Drive Selection Perhaps the biggest mistake people make when building their computer(s) is to underestimate the importance of the hard disk drive (HDD). In our modern society, bigger is synonymous with better, so when you go to buy a hard drive you look at how "big" it is, its data capacity. Quality Recovery and Rework - When It All Goes Wrong When Quality is the Target, but not the Result, what do you do?While Quality may be the overarching goal of all production, stuff happens, resulting in non-conforming parts. This results in failure verification, rework, recalls, sorting, kitting, retest, relabeling and pipeline management, which are facts of life in the manufacturing, assembly and production world we live in. Surge Protector: A Simple Mechanism Description A surge protector [AKA surge suppressor] is an electrical plug-in device designed to distribute safe electrical voltages to other electrical or electronic devices. Surge protectors resemble power strips in appearance; however, they are more sophisticated and deliver a constant, continuous power supply. How to Read Zener Diode Code Many technicians are confused on how to really read a zener diode code. There are many types of code number indicated on it's body. The Merging of Humans and Computers Soon the human brain will be completely interfaced with the computer. The benefit to mankind will be truly significant. The Making of Energy Efficient Datacenters The Crooked E: The Unshredded Truth About Enron is a wonderful movie to watch. It is based on the book, The anatomy of greed, written by a former employee of Enron, Brian Cruver. Bluetooth Basics - Bluetooth Technology Tutorial Bluetooth BasicsBluetooth technology is nothing new, but in many respects it still seems to be more of a buzz word rather than a well understood, commonly accepted technology. You see advertisements for Bluetooth enabled cell phones, PDAs, and laptops, and a search of the Geeks. The Right Way To Discharge Capacitor In Switch Mode Power Supplies Switch mode power supply contain some large filter capacitors that can hold dangerous charges even if the unit has not been used for several days. Typical values of this type of filter capacitor are 220uf 250volt and 330uf 400volt! If you are going to work on the power supply circuits, it's a good idea to discharge that capacitor first. Coping with a Serious Data Loss from your Computer Hard Drive Data loss is an expensive reality. It's a hard fact that it happens more often then users like to admit.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
