• Microsoft Vista Home Networking Setup and Options
The most daunting part of upgrading to Windows Vista may be trying to figure out where in the layers of menus the networking and file-sharing options are hidden.
• Tips for Securing Your Home Router
Seemingly minor and easily overlooked settings can still have profound security implications. Here are some steps you can take to make sure your wired or wireless home router — and by extension, your network — is as secure as possible.
Most Popular Reviews
• Microsoft Windows Home Server
If you have a home network, you'll welcome the easy file sharing, remote access and the image-based backup features of Windows Home Server.
• Iomega StorCenter Network Hard Drive
Iomega's fourth generation StorCenter Network Hard Drive brings many of the features found in higher-end storage devices down to an attractive price.
• MikroTik's The Dude
This free tool delivers many of the same capabilities that you'd find in pricey network monitoring tools. As long as you don't mind tinkering, The Dude is a decent network utility that should be worth the download.
How To Files
One of the main reasons that we're here is to help
you actually build your network. If you're ready to start installin'
and pluggin', use our detailed HowTos as thousands
of satisfied readers have.
Not ready to dive in yet, but just want to learn more
about a particular networking topic or technology? Try our
Backgrounders.
They'll get you up to speed in a jiffy.
If there's something you'd like to see that's not
here, just let us know!
What's New in Internet Explorer 9? Microsoft has released the latest version of its browser. What's new? What's better? What will take some getting used to? Eric Geier has the details. - 9/23/2010
Connect On the Go With Your Own Mobile 3G/4G Hotspot Your mobile data plan can power your Wi-Fi devices if you have the right gear and a little know-how. Learn how to create a mobile hotspot whereever you go with our quick guide. - 7/16/2010
Set Up Third Party DNS for Faster and More Secure Surfing With a third party DNS server, you can speed up browsing, protect yourself from malicious sites and make it easier to visit your favorite Web pages. Best of all, it's usually free. - 3/31/2010
50 Great, Free Windows Mobile Apps The iPhone has a great catalog of apps, but that doesn't mean there aren't good choices on other platforms, too. Here's a list of essential Windows Mobile Apps that won't cost you a dime. - 2/25/2010
Move Your Old E-Mail to Gmail If you've made the move to to Gmail and wish you could take advantage of Gmail's features with all your messages, here's a guide to moving your old e-mail into Gmail for access anywhere. - 2/4/2010
Setting up Parental Controls in Windows 7 With Windows 7's parental controls, you can set up restrictions on Internet access, gaming and Web sites with a collection of simple tools. - 1/27/10
Survive the Upgrade to Windows 7 32-bit or 64? Home, Professional or Ultimate? You've got a lot of choices if you're upgrading to Windows 7, and we've got a guide to help you work through them. - 10/8/09
Run Multiple Versions of Internet Explorer
Whether you're building a Web app and need to see how it will look across several browsers or you're just curious about how the Web looks through a prehistoric browser, here are several ways to try out everything from IE 1 to IE 8. - 9/16/09
Learn How to Buy a Wireless Router
Interested in buying a wireless router? Intimidated by all the choices? Here's an easy guide to help you work through your options and buy the right gear for your network.
- 8/13/09
Beyond Simple File Sharing: Using Hidden Shares
On a network? Have files you don't want everyone to see? We walk through how to hide whichever ones you want to keep to yourself. - 6/12/08
Summertime, and the Computing Is Easy
Maybe a little too easy for kids. For a quick fix, check out Vista's built-in Parental Controls.
From Connectivity to Passwords, 10 Must-Haves for Better Browsing
Looking to make browsing the Web more convenient and secure? Here are 10 connectivity-related extensions and handy Web-based services that work with any browser.
Reduce or Eliminate Messy DHCP Address Changes
Tired of your printer disappearing due to DHCP-assigned IP addresses? Don't want to assign it a static address? Configurable lease times and reservations offer the advantages of DHCP without the pain.
Build a NAS Device With an Old PC and Free Software
Looking for a way to share storage on your network? If you have more time, space and PCs than you do disposable cash, FreeNAS is an excellent — and free — option. We show you how to set it up.
Expand Windows Home Server With Add-ins
An active Microsoft Home Server developer community has produced many useful add-ins. Here are three that we tried and liked. We also offer details on where to download them and what to expect when after you install them.
Wireless Network Configuration Tips for Windows XP
If you have several systems running Windows XP SP2, Windows Connect Now (WCN) provides a way to avoid some of the repetitive, time-consuming and error-prone tasks involved in configuring a wireless network.
Supercharge Your Wireless Broadband Router
The Linksys WRT54G line of wireless broadband routers and its competitors, may be the bargain of the 21st century when combined with DD-WRT — Broadcom-chip-based open source firmware.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Wireless Network – Part 2
Once you've got all your gear lined up, it's time to bring your wireless network to life. Part 2 of our three-part series steps you through what you need to know to configure your network easily and securely.
Step-by-Step: Creating a Wireless Network – Part 1
With the explosion in the popularity of wireless networking comes an avalanche of choices and technologies that can quickly become overwhelming. In part 1 of our three-part series on setting up a Wi-Fi network, we help you assess your needs and pick the right equipment.
Building Network Appliances With Linux, Part 3: the Firewall
A Linux-based iptables firewall is especially robust and configurable. In the latest installment of our how-to series on building a Linux appliance, we'll set up system administration using Webmin.
Build a Linux Network Appliance, Part 2
In our first installment, we described the benefits of Linux-based network appliances. Now the construction begins using Debian GNU/Linux operating system as the foundation of your gateway box.
Build a Linux Network Appliance, Part 1
If you' have a shared Internet connection and some networked PCs, this is just what you need to secure your LAN with a powerful, flexible device that outperforms comparable commercial devices for a fraction of the cost, or even no cost at all.
Do It Yourself: Roll Your Own Network Cables
This one begs the question: Why assemble your own Ethernet cables? Maybe you need custom lengths of cable. After all, coiling a 25-foot cable when you need only two feet is overkill, not to mention a decorating don’t. You won't do it everyday, but having the supplies and know-how to whip up a cable on the spot is handy.
Troubleshooting Poor WLAN Performance
Sooner or later, you'll need to check on performance issues in your Wi-Fi network. Learn how to pinpoint root causes, and what solutions to implement.
The HowTo that started it all! Whether you have
cable, DSL, satellite, or even dialup connection to the Internet,
we'll show you how to get everyone on line with only one account.
Sharing
Files Across the Internet
Have you ever found yourself wanting to share files
across the Internet, with friends, family, or business associates,
but didn’t have the means to do it? Fortunately, you have several
choices.
Set up a
Web site If you've been thinking of setting up shop on the web, there's
more than one way to do it. Our HowTo on Web Hosting will give you
all the info you need.
Use Microsoft's
Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) Microsoft's ICS is usually the first thing people try when they
decide to share their Internet connection. But you may need
help, and we've got it! -- Now with Win2000 Pro instructions!
Set up a
Mixed Media Router Got a network with Ethernet and either phoneline or wireless
parts and trying to get it all connected together. Our MMR
HowTo tells you how to put it all together.
Setting up a server If you have an always-on broadband connection, sooner or later,
you'll probably want to set up some sort of server. Learn
how to do it the right way and keep your LAN safe and your BSP happy!
Turn Your Old 386 into a Storage Server NASLite is a customized Linux-on-diskette that can turn your old 386 into a Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, Unix or OS/2 file server.
Getting applications
to work through a firewall Most Internet sharing methods come with some sort of firewall
that's designed to keep unwanted guests out of your LAN. But
sometimes, you want visitors to be able to penetrate the
wall. Learn how!
Securing your
LAN If you have a constant connection to the Internet, you're
guaranteed to get "doorknob rattlers" checking to see
if you've left yourself open for mischief...or worse! Learn
how to send them on their way.
Wire your Network Go here for links to sites that will help you do your own network
wiring.
WiFi and the Penguin:
Setting Up 802.11b Under Linux
Adding client 802.11b networking to a Linux workstation isn't the
easiest task in the world -- but it's definitely doable for anyone
with a little knowledge of how their Linux system works. In this
tutorial, Michael Hall explains step-by-step how to set up wireless
networking on a Linux workstation.
