Windows 8 Bible

Wrap-Up

A local area network (LAN) consists of two or more computers that can communicate with one another through networking hardware. Multiple computers in a network can share a single Internet account, share printers, and share files and folders. Moving and copying files between networked computers is a simple matter of dragging and dropping. No fumbling around with floppies, CDs, or other removable disks is required. The main points to remember when it comes to buying network hardware are as follows:

• The first step to creating a LAN is to purchase the computer networking hardware.
• Each computer in the network needs a network interface card (NIC) installed.
• Ethernet LANs provide the fastest speeds, but require running special Ethernet cables.
• Wireless networking provides complete freedom from cables and wires.
• USB networking devices are easy to install and don’t require opening the computer case.
• On a notebook computer, you can use a PC Card NIC (not to be confused with PCI card), USB NIC, or an integrated wireless network card to connect to the network.
• After you acquire your network hardware, you have to set it all up per the manufacturer’s instructions. When you’ve finished that step, you can use the Network and Sharing Center to help configure the hardware.