How to: Networking Computers 101

Learning about networking computers may be of benefit to you if you are running a home computing network. A network of computers at home allows you to share printing capabilities and documents easily. Learning to network computers typically requires some training and time to master the steps that it takes to make the computers work together in a common network. Many of the newer Windows operating systems allows you to network computers that are part of a shared local area, or wide area network (LAN/WAN).

To learn how to quickly set up and install a home network at your house, here are some steps and tips that may assist you. You may also want to inquiry further about setting up and networking computers by visiting a local library, or taking a networking class that is offered at a community college or through an adult continuing education class in your location.

Step 1: Check Computers for Network Compatibility

You need to check each of the home computers that you have to determine if they are compatible with each other for the network that you are looking to install. Typically, a home network can be set up for many different types of computers. Older computers that you are considering joining to the network may require you to add a network card, which is a piece of internal or external hardware, in order for you to connect it to the network. Check with the manufacturer's requirements for the network when you decide to add an older computer to your home computing network.

Step 2: Purchase a Networking Router

You will need to go to a computer supply store in order to purchase a router for your network. The router is the central point that sends a signal to each of the computers in the network. The router allows access to each of the other computers, as well as to other devices, such as printers and fax machines. The router also allows each of the network computers to share the internet.

Step 3: Load Networking Software on the Computers

On each of the computers that will be part of the home network, load the software that came with the network router that you purchased. The software will allow the computer to send signals to the router and make it part of the home network. Once you set the software on each of the machines, you can designate one of the computers as the central hub in the network where all messaging and instructions are sent or stored for the home network. 

Step 4: Plug-In the Network Router

With the software installed on the home computers, plug in the router to the switch box for the LAN or WAN that you set up. Each of the computers should receive a signal indicating that it is part of the shared network, and there should be a dialogue box that indicates that certain activities such as printing or messaging is taking place within the computing network.