Synopses & Reviews
Home networking is easy when you ask an expert
For most of us, it's not about the technology—it's about what we can do with it. A home network lets you share Internet connections, printers, and files between two or more computers. Go wireless, and you can read your e-mail, surf the Web, or download new music from anywhere in or around your home. And with the improvements and added security features in Service Pack 2, Windows XP home networking is safer and more fun than ever before. Paul Thurrott shows you just how it's done, in language that makes sense.
- Understand networking software, learn what hardware you need, and configure a modem
- Explore broadband options and their security issues
- Use Windows XP's network and wireless network setup wizards
- Set up security to protect shared files and user accounts
- Participate in multiplayer games
- Integrate Bluetooth devices and add Mac OS® X or Linux machines to your network
- Deal with spam, pop-ups, malicious add-ons, and other malware
- Manage instant communication with Windows® Messenger and MSN® Messenger
- Synchronize your Palm OS® device or Pocket PC with your desktop
Synopsis
Home networking is easy when you ask an expert
For most of us, it's not about the technology— it's about what we can do with it. A home network lets you share Internet connections, printers, and files between two or more computers. Go wireless, and you can read your e-mail, surf the Web, or download new music from anywhere in or around your home. And with the improvements and added security features in Service Pack 2, Windows XP home networking is safer and more fun than ever before. Paul Thurrott shows you just how it's done, in language that makes sense. Understand networking software, learn what hardware you need, and configure a modem Explore broadband options and their security issues Use Windows XP's network and wireless network setup wizards Set up security to protect shared files and user accounts Participate in multiplayer games Integrate Bluetooth devices and add Mac OS® X or Linux machines to your network Deal with spam, pop-ups, malicious add-ons, and other malware Manage instant communication with Windows® Messenger and MSN® Messenger Synchronize your Palm OS® device or Pocket PC with your desktop
About the Author
Paul Thurrott is News Editor for Windows & .NET Magazine and Connected Home Media. A Windows aficionado, he contributes to numerous Windows-oriented print publications, online newsletters, and Web sites. He is the author or coauthor of more than fifteen books, including PC Magazine Windows XP Digital Media Solutions, also from Wiley.
Table of Contents
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Part I: Getting Connected.
Chapter 1: Windows XP and Home Networking.
Chapter 2: Introduction to Networking.
Chapter 3: Life in the Slow Lane: Connecting with a Modem.
Chapter 4: Information Superhighway: Making the Broadband Connection.
Part II: Home Networking.
Chapter 5: Creating Your Home Network.
Chapter 6: Sharing an Internet Connection.
Chapter 7: Working with Users and Passwords.
Chapter 8: Securely Sharing Network Resources.
Chapter 9: Wireless Networking.
Chapter 10: Advanced Home Networking.
Part III: Windows XP and the Internet.
Chapter 11: Windows XP/.NET Integration.
Chapter 12: Browsing and Searching the Web.
Chapter 13: Using E-Mail and Newsgroups.
Chapter 14: Communicating with MSN Messenger.
Chapter 15: Windows XP Web Publishing.
Part IV: Remote Access.
Chapter 16: Getting Help with Remote Assistance.
Chapter 17: Using Remote Desktop.
Part V: Device Connections.
Chapter 18: Notebooks and Tablet PCs: Using Windows XP with Portable Computers.
Chapter 19: Using Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with Windows XP. Index.