Home Networking Demystified

Thbs was a good basic esource on netwroking, but could have given more detail on the actual configuring of various network issues.

Dr. Larry Long's book saved the day for me. I was trying to network three computers to a printer using the Linksys WPS54G Wireless USB print server. I was not able to accomplish this and then I remembered I had bought this book. Dr. Long explains in his book that Windows treats a networked printer as a local printer. So when I installed my printer software on my laptop and second desktop I had to indicate that I was installing to a local printer attached to my computer (it's attached via the network). One does not choose Network Printer (which seems like the logical choice). Installation was a breeze after I read Dr. Long's chapter on sharing printers, files and an Internet connection. Thank you Dr. Long. Your book saved the day for me.

Long takes the mystique out of setting up your home network. In plain language, adorned with only a minimal of jargon, he helps you plan and install your network. Where this can be purely wired, wireless or a combination of both. He also draws your attention to network security. Especially if you have wireless nodes. Without care, these can be easily detected by someone wardriving around your neighbourhood and then used as her connection to the Internet. If that's all she does, you might say, what's the big deal? But there is no assurance that she will merely use your network as a passive conduit. She might also launch attacks against your machines. The book suggests how to protect yourself. It's really not that difficult to set up your net. Perhaps the best advice about this book is simply to get started on it. That initial hurdle may be the hardest.