If you have as few as two computers in your home, you can reap a number of benefits by connecting them with a network cable and two NICs (Network Interface Cards). Equally, if you run a small business from your house, and have maybe five or six systems, benefits can be seen by networking.

One of the main advantages of a small home network is that it allows each computer to share all the resources. For example, if you print from a program running on one computer to a printer attached to the other computer, you won’t need to buy two printers. Importantly, you will also be able to save precious disk space by keeping programs and data on one computer and running them from all machines.

You can also take advantage of special software that exploits the fact that your computers are connected. This ranges from mainstream productivity software to that productivity killer: networked gaming.

There are a number of ways in which to connect two or more computers into a network, but most fall into either the peer networking or server networking category.

Server based networks have one or more server computers dedicated to providing shared resources to a group of network client computers. The servers are generally highly specified and generally also more reliable than the average computer. They need to be, because people using the client computers have to logon to the network before they can access the server’s resources. Therefore, the server must be running all the time in a typical environment.

Although there are situations in which a home network should follow the server based model, it is actually overkill for most home networks.

The alternative to a server based network is peer networking. Here, each computer functions as a server sharing its disks and printers, and as a client using the resources on other computers. Generally, peer networks are easier to setup than server based networks.

With network cards and the network software that ships with Windows XP, you can share hard disks, directories, files, programs, email and printers.

Network Hardware

The best way to connect two computers in a peer network is via a pair of network cards and a piece of cable. The two NICs will be fitted into a free PCI expansion slot. Windows XP will probably have the drivers and automatically install them for you when it detects the new hardware, otherwise you may need to provide the drivers.

Cables

With the cards fitted and the correct drivers installed you then need to connect the NICs with the cable. There are many different network cables available but the de facto standard to which most people adhere is Ethernet. And, there is quite a variety within the Ethernet category itself. The only real decision you have to make is between Thin Ethernet and Twisted Pair or TP.

For a basic two computer network the cheapest option is Thin Ethernet – it offers long cable runs and doesn’t require a hub. Unfortunately, Thin Ethernet chains computers together in series and is susceptible to breaks in the cable. So, if one section breaks, none of the computers on the network will be able to communicate with each other.

TP, in comparison, generally uses a star arrangement with each computer individually cabled to the hub. This is a lot more reliable because a failure in the cable to one computer doesn’t affect the other computers. It’s an academic point if you have only two computers, but as soon as you have three or more at home, TP automatically becomes a lot more reliable than Thin Ethernet.

Hubs

Hubs come in all shapes and sizes. More sophisticated hubs, known as switches, are used in very large, busy networks, while managed hubs are designed to work with network management software for large networks. Most home networks requires neither switches nor managed hubs – an inexpensive 4-port or 8-port hub should suffice. Ensure that the hubs and NIC cards support 10/100 Mbps which is the standard these days.

Up and Running

When your network is up and running, what should you use it for? Well, it’s up to you, but here are some typical uses which can enhance your home computing experience.

Firstly, you can use it to share files. Do you have data that you and another family member want to access from your own computer? Now you don’t have to copy them from one machine to the other with flash disks.

Now a single printer can be used by each computer saving the need to buy two or more printers for each user.

Other resources can also be shared, such as modems and ADSL connections. The whole family can surf the Internet simultaneously. Now what are you waiting for?



By: Sandra Prior

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Munyaradzi Chinongoza asked:




So you want to know how to install Linux on your PS3, huh? Well if you do not know what Linux is, it is an operating system just like Windows. This software is available for free online and there are different versions available to suit different needs.

The process is quite simple. After you have backed up all your saved files, you can go ahead and format your hard drive. Go to ‘System Settings’ then ‘Format Utility’. You will be asked whether you want to format your hard drive. Select ‘Yes’. Now for the partition setting choose the ‘Custom’ setting. This will allow you to allot 10 gigabytes to another operating system.

Insert into your PS3’s disk drive your Ubuntu Linux software that you have downloaded free online and have burnt to a disc as an ISO image file. Go to ‘System Settings’ then scroll down to ‘Install Other OS’. The system will carry out a scan and the disk you inserted into the disk drive should be picked up.

Once you select ‘Enter’ a blue boot screen will pop up, the same as you see on a computer and you will be guided through all the installation steps just like you would be when installing any other software on your computer. Your controller will stop working during this process so you need to have your USB mouse and keyboard plugged in before you start.

During the installation process, do not unplug anything that is plugged into your console or else a red screen will pop up saying installation failure. So even just your external hard drive, do not unplug anything or else the whole process will be canceled and you have to restart.

Remember the software does take a while to install on your PS3, you have to be patient. Once you have installed it, remove the CD from the drive or the system will try access it again when you want to boot your new Linux partition.

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In today’s markets there are handfuls of ways to purchase just about anything, even your groceries. We live in a time where music can be bought in a store, shipped to you through the postal service or even bought or rented online with a click of the mouse. Now more than ever we have a huge selection of ways to receive the products we’re looking for. This revolution in distribution has led to a vast number of ways that all have their ups and downs. These pros and cons that apply to all distribution methods also apply to the distribution of Linux CAD software. While Linux CAD software may be more rare than its Windows counterpart, luckily for the consumer there are now more ways than ever to get the product they want.

The most obvious place to pick up Linux CAD software is the store. The two main downfalls to this is the fact that brick and mortar stores often have the highest prices of all the distribution methods and CAD software can be incredibly expensive to begin with. The other con to brick and mortar stores is that they often times only carry the most popular software and it can be hard to find a particular brand of Linux CAD software. The one advantage to this is that you’ll have the software immediately and you’ll have a location that you can bring it back to if there is every anything wrong with it. In the end if you have the money and can find the particular Linux CAD software you’re looking for, brick and mortar stores aren’t bad.

The only other option for obtaining Linux CAD software is through some sort of digital distribution. There are really three main advantages to getting your Linux CAD software through digital distribution centers. The first being that it is often times cheaper. Many times you can use either the distributors coupons or get it through some sort of online sale, which will lower the price below what it would be at a brick and mortar store. The second pro to getting Linux CAD software through a digital distributor is the ability to find exactly the right software. There are no restrictions such as shelf space and because of this you’ll have no problem finding a particular piece of Linux CAD software, no matter how obscure. Lastly being able to try out the software before you ever purchase it. Almost all websites now offer some sort of free trial in which you can download the product and activate it later. This is one of the most beneficial factors, which will save you money and heartache in the long run by keeping you from purchasing lousy software.

Whether it’s online of offline the consumer has a record number of ways to get their products. While the accountability of an offline institution is great, sometimes the price to use them is just too high. The extra features and low price can be tempting for others to download their software off the Internet. In the end the products are the same but buying them should be an enjoyable experience. Try out both ways at least a couple of times and see exactly what method you like best. Who knows, shopping may become one of your favorite parts of the process.

By: Gavin Sanderson

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So, I’ve Been Wanting To Install Windows XP Onto My Playstation 3. But I Do Not Kow If This Would Jeopardize My Ability To Choose Between Orginal PS3 Dashboard And Windows XP. And I’m Also Worried Aout Not Being Able To Play PS3 Games After Another Operating System Is Installed.

So If Any Of You Have Installed Another O.S. (Doesn’t Have To Be Windows) Can I Access Either OS On My Hard Drive? And If So, May I Still Play PS3/PS2/PS1 Games And DVD/CD/Blu-Ray?

There are few basic requirement before you wish to connect your playstation 2 console to the internet:

1. Sign up for an internet service provider package.

2. Have a network adapter

3. Have a dial up modem / ADSL Router

The Network Adaptor available in North America does include a 56k built-in analog modem, and most internet service provider has include a modem or router in their package.

4. A PlayStation 2 Memory Card with about 150k space available to install the Network Adaptor drivers and software and save your internet connection settings.

The Network Adapter is a peripheral required to allow your Playstation 2 online. The adapter has a built-in V90 modem and 10/100 Base-TX Ethernet interface for broadband connection where you can plug your ADSL or Cable modem.

A. Network Adapter fits into the port on the back of your PS2, and all you need is a nickel or a common screwdriver to plug in the adapter.

After this simple operation, you just have to install the drivers and the software (included in the package with the Adapter) on your Memory Card.

B. I have a broadband connection. Where do I connect the Adapter?

You just have to connect the Network Adapter to the Cable or ADSL modem you currently use with your PC.

C. I have a dial up 56k modem. Where do I connect my Network Adapter?

The network Adapter comes with a built-in 56k modem. You just have to plug your phone line into the right port.

D. Can I use my USB (narrowband/broadband) modem to play online with my Playstation 2 console?

Since the Network Adapter doesn’t have a USB port, this is a question that most gamers asked. Using your USB modem to play with your PlayStation 2 is certainly possible, also with PlayOnline games and services (even if, strangely, PlayOnline website gives a negative answer to this question), but you can’t connect it straightly to the USB connection on the front of the console.

To connect your USB modem to the PlayStation 2, the best solution is leaving the modem connected to your PC, and then setup an Internet Connection Sharing connection between the PC and the PlayStation 2. To do this, you will need:

1. USB Modem with USB device cable

2. Windows 98 or higher installed on your PC

3. 1 available Ethernet Card on your PC

4. One Cat5 twisted pair straight cable

If you don’t have an Ethernet card on your PC, you can purchase one for a few dollars. Once you have everything, setting up an ICS connection is easy.

First of all, you must have your USB modem properly installed and configured on your PC. Now, enable Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) on your PC – if you are not exactly an expert PC user, detailed directions to install ICS can be found on Microsoft’s official website.

Now connect your PlayStation 2 to your computer, plugging one end of the Cat5 cable into the PC’s Ethernet Card, and the other end into the PlayStation 2’s Ethernet port. Activate the connection on your PC, then insert the Network Adapter start-up disk onto your PlayStation 2 and simply configure your PlayStation 2 for a broadband connection.

G. Can I use my Internet Service Provider in order to make my Playstation 2 Online?

The Network Adapter includes software to connect to the most popular Internet service providers. And if yours is not included in the list, you will simply have to configure the software to connect to your provider.

It’s easy as 1-2-3. Anyhow, keep in mind that if you have problems with your Internet Service Provider even when browsing the Internet on your PC, you will have the same problems with your Playstation 2 as well.

The quality of the service offered by your local provider is essential for a great online gaming experience. If you are choosing a new ISP, it might be a good idea to give them a call and ask if their services are compatible with PlayStation 2 online games.

H. I’ve heard that online gaming is expensive. Is it true?

Nope. There are no fees to play most of the online games available for PlayStation 2 Online. Popular games like SOCOM U.S. Navy Seals, SOCOM II, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King, Madden NFL 2004 are playable for free

So far, it seems that only Massive Multiplayer Online Games like Final Fantasy XI or Everquest will need a monthly fee to be played, fees necessary to maintain the powerful servers required to run these games.

An additional cost to play online games derives from the Hard Disk Drive (HDD), which became available in March 2004 in North America at a suggested retail price of $99.

Finally, you have to add the cost of your Internet Service Provider, but you should already be paying for this, isn’t it ?

By: Terrence Koh

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