Networking
Network adapter installation and basic network functions.

Gaming Help
Gaming related questions and advice for your network.

Software Proxies
Mostly about problems with older versions of Wingate, but can be useful for solving problems with other proxy-based programs

Wireless
Setup, WEP, drivers and more for wireless networking products.

Other Problems
If they don't fit in any of the above categories, they go here!

Troubleshooting

Don't Let Your Networked A/V Devices Go It Alone
Connecting multiple consumer electronics devices to your network wirelessly can be a pricey and time-consuming undertaking. Networking them via a wireless bridge is one way to save money, time and clutter. - 4/24/08

Share and Share Alike: More on Vista's Network and Sharing Center
When it comes to network sharing on a Vista network, NSC streamlines the setup. Learn how to set up printer, file, media sharing and more in a snap. - 4/17/08

Vista's Networking Central, A Reason to Reconsider
A plethora of network information and options await within the Network and Sharing Center. - 4/10/08

Ask the Wi-Fi Guy: Hotspot Sharing
Thinking of sharing a hotspot? The Wi-Fi guy weighs in on the best way to manage and control it. - 4/1/08

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. - 3/27/08

Track Down Elusive Network Printers
A painless step-by-step guide to bringing that ghost printer back to life. - 3/20/08

What's in Your Hand-Rolled VPN?
Hamachi makes it a cinch to say sayonara to your VPN woes. With the free software utility, your VPN can be up and running in minutes, usually with little or no configuration. - 3/13/08

Get Fast, Free Smartphone Phone Internet Access With Wi-Fi
You can save a lot of money and gain a lot of speed if your smartphone supports Wi-Fi networking. Here's how to set up your Windows Mobile device for WLAN access. - 3/6/08

Better Security Through Password Management
Quit typing your dog's name over and over: Tools like KeePass and Clipperz can help make dealing with passwords simpler and more secure. - 2/27/08

Master Vista With Keyboard and Desktop Shortcuts
Unless you really like your mouse, it pays to learn how to navigate Vista with keyboard shortcuts. And when nothing but an icon to click will do, save yourself some menu crawling with desktop shortcuts. - 2/26/08

A Tale of Two Passwords
A pair of passwords could be leaving your router — and your network — vulnerable to attack. Learn how to batten down your network and choose secure passwords. - 2/21/08

How to Share Files With Network Windows Media Player 11
If you've got multimedia content such as songs, photos and video that you'd like to access from a remote system, the media-sharing feature of Windows Media Player 11 offers a way to do it. Here are step-by-step tips. - 2/14/08

Windows Vista Tips & Tricks
Tips, tricks and tools for optimizing performance under Windows Vista while ensuring that you're taking full advantage of Windows Vista's advanced security features. - 2/12/08

Block Web Sites and More with OpenDNS
OpenDNS offers quicker and more reliable Web browsing, but when you sign up for a free OpenDNS account, you can also get other features such as content/domain blocking and access to your DNS usage statistics. - 1/31/08

Seven Tips for Safely Sharing Your Access Point
Thinking of sharing your home (or small business) WLAN? This primer on Wi-Fi basics explains security, routers, the various flavors of 802.11 and other essentials. - 1/29/08

Make Your Internet Connection Faster, Better With OpenDNS
free service called OpenDNS can not only help your browser display Web pages faster it also offers some added fringe benefits such as address typo correction and phishing protection, plus site blocking, content filtering, and more. - 1/24/08

Skype vs. Every Other VoIP Provider
All VoIP services allow you to make and receive voice calls via your broadband Internet connection, but there are big differences between Skype and other VoIP services. - 1/17/08

Networking Notes: GnuPG on the Mac: Building Trust
We conclude our look at using public-key cryptography to secure your mail and text by delving into managing your GnuPG keys — the foundation of its security. - 1/16/08

Five Easy Steps to Hotspot Safety
Most people realize that hotspots can be risky, but they fail to take even the most basic precautions. Here are a handful of ways to protect yourself when using public hotspots. - 1/15/08

BitTorrent 101: A Peer-to-Peer Review
You may not have tried it for yourself yet, but chances are good that you have at least heard of BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing technology gets more popular everyday. - 1/10/08

Five Windows Vista Tips for Networking and File Sharing
One of the hardest thing about using Vista is figuring out how to get to the settings and network configuration areas. Here are five tips that will help you maneuver through the networking options in Vista. - 1/9/07

Troubleshooting Help Fresh From the Forums
Tips on port triggering with a Netgear WGR614 for Xbox Live, troubleshooting problems with multiple Windows XP PCs trying to share a cable modem, and step-by-step help for connecting to the Internet using Internet Explorer. - 1/07/08

How to Choose the Right WRT54G Router for You
The Linksys/Cisco WRT54G Router line is famous not so much for what it is, but what it can be thanks to alternative versions of firmware that enable a wide range of networking features. But first you need do know which of its many models does what. - 1/03/08

Getting Started: A Guide to Data Backup
Don't risk losing data to theft, disaster or human error. Play it smart and back it up. We take a look at the basic options. - 12/17/07

Find Answers in the PracticallyNetworked Forums
What to do when two XP computers won't talk to each other. Why is the Microsoft Computer Browser service starting and stopping? And forum members weigh in on Windows Home Server. - 12/11/07

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 you set it up. - 12/6/07

Networking Tips From the PracticallyNetworked Forums
Microsoft Windows Home Server resources and reviews, troubleshooting advice for a Linksys WRT54GT router and discussion on file sharing with Windows XP. - 11/13/07

Shiny! Two of Leopard's Practical Improvements
Sharing files with a Mac got much easier and much more robust with the release of Leopard. And if you're on the fence about Time Machine, don't be: It's pretty good despite the eye candy. - 11/01/07

Networking Tips From the PracticallyNetworked Forums
Advice on LAN reconnect issues and using batch files with the "net use" command to map drives and printers. Plus: an interesting discussion on the security risks associated with adding a public hotspot to a business LAN. - 10/29/07

Kill Many IM Birds with One Software Stone
Keeping in touch with people on different IM services doesn't necessarily require you to use a separate IM client for each. You can simplify things by using a third-party IM client that supports multiple services. - 10/25/07

Networking Notes: We're Just Web Tenants
Unlike public spaces that have to operate under certain constraints defined by Constitutional considerations, the many private spaces of the Internet are 'democratic' only as long as being so suits the people who are renting them out to the rest of us.- 10/24/07

Easy Troubleshooting With Network Diagnostics and WNTIPCFG
Can't reach a Web site or send and receive e-mail? Tucked away into Windows XP is a built-in utility called Network Diagnostics that can save some time and effort by automatically scanning various aspects of your connection with a single click. - 10/18/07

Help Is Just an Internet Connection Away
In the third installment of our series on remote access, we provide step-by-step instructioon on how to get or give technical help in Windows XP or Vista with Remote Assistance . - 10/11/07

Stay in Control With Remote Access Services
Microsoft's Remote Desktop is free, so why would you pay for a service? For starters, Microsoft doesn't offer Remote Desktop in Windows XP Home, Vista Home Basic or Windows Home Premium. But even if your version of Windows has Remote Desktop, a remote access service is easier to configure. - 10/04/07

Advice From the PracticallyNetworked Forums
Suggestions on how to keep some computers from hogging bandwidth on a network, a look at WiFi routers and wired print servers, and some excellent advice on sharing your Internet connection using ICS. - 10/02/07

Access Your Windows PC Remotely — For Free
A variety of remote access services will let you reach your computer from wherever you happen to be. But if you'd like remote access without a monthly fee, check out Windows Remote Desktop feature. - 09/28/07

Security Notes: Manage Your Passwords With 1Passwd
In our ongoing look at password security, this week we take a look at an application for Macs. - 09/26/07

Cable Modems: Buy vs. Rent
You don't have to resign yourself to paying cable modem rental fees in perpetuity. You may be able to save yourself some money over the long run by buying your own cable modem. - 09/20/07

Heard in the PracticallyNetworked Forums
Up for discussion this week is a helpful Dos and don'ts list for wireless network security, how to find and fix IP conflicts on your network, and inconsistent and slow cable modem speeds. - 09/20/07

Security Notes: The Password Game
SWe're taught early on that we need to do the impossible: Create and memorize a unique password for each and every service we use. But there are options — a nifty Web site or just write them down. - 9/19/07

Share and Sync Folders on Multiple Systems
FolderShare is one of Microsoft's Windows Live services and this free (albeit beta) product is an easy way to keep the same data up to date on several systems. - 09/13/07

Practical Mac Networking: Growl Makes Your Mac Chatty
If you're looking for a simple, flexible way to make sure you know about what's going on with one computer from the comfort of another, Growl 1.1 might be for you. - 9/12/07

Is It Time to Get Gigabit Ethernet?
Gigabit Ethernet is now inexpensive and ubiquitous enough for home or small office networks. This week, we look at when Gigabit Ethernet is useful and explore how to add it without having to replace existing network hardware. - 9/06/07

Lessons Learned in the PracticallyNetworked Forums
Readers weigh in to resolve Windows XP Pro connection issues, the case of extremely inconsistent speeds when using a router, and moire - 9/04/07

Looking for a Better Way to Share Storage?
If you want to share your storage across a network, or think you might in the future, connecting devices directly to a PC isn't the best option. This week, we look at several options for networked storage. - 08/30/07

Networking Notes: Microsoft's IP Protection Is Risky Business
When a Vista-based PC fails software authentication, the user continues on in a 'reduced functionality mode.' We'd be better off, collectively, if an invalidated copy of Vista stopped working altogether. - 08/28/07

Sharing on a Wi-Fi Network Using Windows Vista
Learn how sharing resources in Vista differs from Windows XP and see exactly how to perform common network sharing tasks. - 08/28/07

Keep Your Internet Access Going During a Power Outage
The same UPS that powers a PC only for about 20 minutes will likely run your gateway and router a good deal longer — perhaps for several hours. - 08/23/07

Networking Notes: Skype Says That Was No DDoS Attack
Skype responds to rumors that a band of criminal hackers brought down its VoIP service and more security updates. Plus: the latest networking product news. - 8/22/07

Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks Using Windows Vista
Learn how sharing resources in Vista differs from Windows XP and see exactly how to perform common network sharing tasks. - 08/21/07

Big File Transfers? Go Direct With IM and More
Sending large files can be a hassle, but instant messaging and direct transfer software offer a way around going by e-mail or third-party hosting. - 8/16/07

Big Files Don't Have to Be Big Headaches
Ever send an e-mail that appears to leave your outbook, but then later you find a notice that delivery failed? You're not alone — sending large files often fails. Fortunately, alternatives abound. - 8/09/07

Networking Notes: Safe at Home?
Most new malware doesn't do anything you're going to notice. In fact, most of it makes it a point to remain unnoticed. It's decidedly unspectacular, but decidedly dangerous. - 8/08/07

Stream Video From Your Windows XP PC
Last week, we modified a Windows Media Center PC to stream video formats such as DivX and XviD to an Xbox 360 console. But what if you want to stream to an Xbox 360 from a plain-old XP Home or Professional system? We got you covered. - 08/02/07

Stream Videos to Your Xbox 360
Networking a Windows Media Center PC and Xbox 360 lets you access files as if you were front of the computer. But there's a catch: It doesn't work with DivX or XviD (two of the most prevalent video formats). Fortunately, a free utility offers a simple fix. - 07/26/07

Be Careful What You Click For
The strongest firewalls and most savvy anti-virus/anti-spam software can't protect you from phishers. Here's how to not get caught in their nets. - 07/19/07

Networking Notes: The Power of the Hosts File
Need to contact another computer on the Internet? You usually rely on a DNS server to look up the host's IP address. but the system has a few issues that make it occasionally frustrating. Here's how you can use hosts files for immediate access. - 07/17/07

Networking Notes: Netgear's Storage Central Goes Turbo
The network-connected two-drive storage device brings — in addition to 'turbo' speed — SATA disks, Gigabit Ethernet and disk mirroring. Plus: the latest in 802.11n, iPhone mania rages on and more. - 07/11/07

Utilities for Nothing, Security for Free
Free utilities may lack the polished interface and some of the features you typically get with commercial software, but for most people, free security software can be a cost-effective way to protect one or more PCs. - 6/28/07

Understanding and Resolving IP Address Conflicts
IP address conflicts are usually temporary, but you can't count on them to always resolve themselves. This week, we'll look at likely causes of IP address conflicts and some ways to address them. - 6/14/07

Cut Spam Out of Your Network's Diet
You probably wonder why e-mail providers can't simply block all spam before it gets to you. The truth is there's only so much they can do. The rest is up to you. - 6/7/07

Networking Notes: Prepare Your Network for Tomorrow's Software
The choices we make in terms of our network infrastructure will matter for a lot more than how quickly we can view streaming video. They might end up being our lifeline to apps our businesses (or academic careers, or household budgets) depend on. - 06/06/07

Sauce Up Your Router with Tomato
The firmware options for a given router are typically limited to those provided by the manufacturer of the device. But on some routers you can install third-party firmware versions that may enhance the router's existing features and even add some new ones. - 05/31/07

Wake Up and Smell the Network
More and more people want to take advantage of remote access, but your PC has to be on to be accessible, right? Well, yes and no, because a technology called Wake on LAN. - 5/24/07

Wireless Tips: Stop Roaming to the Wrong AP
It was only a matter of time before businesses started to monetize what amounts to a state of near chaos in wireless connectivity. Time Warner is the latest to buy into the FON model. - 5/22/07

Do You Always Need A Broadband Router?
If you don't need the extra LAN ports or wireless access a broadband router offers, does it serve any real purpose other than to add cost and complexity? - 5/17/07

Networking Notes: Free (and Almost Free) Mac Networking Tools
This week we look at two handy, free tools that make using Macs a little nicer for practical networkers. And we take a peek at one that costs a little, but offer good value. - 05/16/07

Get the Most From Your USB WLAN Adapter
It's not hard to see the appeal of easy-to-install USB WLAN adapters, but how do you ensure you are getting the best results? - 5/10/07

Networking Notes: So Long and Thanks for Nothing
The only reason anyone could possibly have to ask a question of the sales team at a big-box retailer is simple politeness — the guy asks if he can help, so you humor him. - 5/9/07

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. - 5/03/07

SSL Alone Is Not Enough to Protect You
The presence of SSL can often lead to a false sense of security because it protects your data only from being intercepted while in transit from your computer to a merchant's site. - 4/26/07

Firewire Facts: What's a 1394 Network Connection?
Firewire/1394 is a high-speed serial connection used to connect to external storage and multimedia devices, but you can also run TCP/IP over Firewire to network two systems together. - 4/19/07

Wireless Security: Say No to WEP, And Yes to WPA
If reports and studies are accurate, a significant percentage of wireless LANs (especially those used in homes) are still using outdated and insecure WEP for their encryption. - 04/11/07

Practical Lessons You Can Learn From Network Pros
Much of what we buy off the shelves of CompUSA and BestBuy started somewhere up in 'the enterprise,' and found its way down to us as a way for vendors to differentiate themselves. - 4/11/07

Practical Lessons You Can Learn From Network Pros
Much of what we buy off the shelves of CompUSA and BestBuy started somewhere up in 'the enterprise,' and found its way down to us as a way for vendors to differentiate themselves. - 4/11/07

Can Your Router Keep Your Kids Safe Online?
Plenty of options exist to let you monitor and limit what kids can access on the Internet. You may need to look no further than your broadband router. - 4/5/07

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. - 04/03/07

Wireless — Brush Up on Your Bluetooth
While the Bluetooth probably conjures up images of people appearing to talk to themselves, the technology is useful for much more than voice. For example, Bluetooth shines for wireless data networking for up to 32 feet. - 3/29/07

WPA PSK Crackers: Loose Lips Sink Ships
Think Wi-Fi Protected Access makes your home or small business network impenetrable? Think again -- and learn how to protect yourself. - 03/28/07

Windows XP: Don't Forget the Firewall
This week, we take a look at how to set up and use the firewall feature built into Windows XP Service Pack 2. We also discuss why you might need more protection than Microsoft offers. - 3/22/07

Networking Notes: Unsafe at Any Price
If anyone could write a decent anti-virus package for Windows, it'd have to be Microsoft, right? Unfortunately, that argument fails miserably in reality. - 03/21/07

Tips on How to 'Extend' Your XP PC with an Xbox 360
If you're PC is running XP Media Center Edition 2005, you're not using it to its full potential if it's tucked away in a back room. But you can remedy this situation, by using the Xbox 360 game console as a Media Center Extender. - 3/15/07

Networking Notes: Mac Tools — Old Stats with a Pretty Face
This week, we take a quick look at a Mac tool that provides one-stop access to pinging, route tracing or domain investigating. - 3/14/07

A Guide to VoIP — Just the FAQs
There are two kinds of people: Those who have switched to voice over IP service and those who are thinking about it. If you fall into the latter category, these frequently asked questions will help you make your decision. - 3/08/07

Networking Notes: Optimize Your Browser's Internet Connection
It seems we're all looking for a way to squeeze a bit more out of our Internet connections. If you're using Firefox, the two add-ons I've got for this week help you speed Firefox up a little without having to deal with its about:config page. - 03/5/07

Three Roads to Network Printing
Having a printer for each computer on your network is usually overkill. A better use of money and space is to set up a networked printer that everyone can share. This week, we explore three printer-sharing methods and discuss the pros and cons of each. - 3/1/07

Microsoft Vista Tips: 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.- 02/28/07

Networking Notes: Build a Dropbox with SSH and Applescript
This week, we take a quick look at a handy feature in Mac OS X called Folder Actions, and discuss h