Read 5 Tips for an Easy Home Network Setup

Many households are finding that not only is a computer a necessity in their lives, but one computer is no longer enough to go around, and thus the need to set up a home network. A home network is simply a method of allowing computers and other devices to communicate with one another. If you have two or more computers, a network will allow them to share files, printers, HDTVs, game systems, music, and of course an Internet connection.

If you are thinking about building a home network you have several options to explore. Here are five tips to consider before you make your decision, according to BluePhone , the Personal Tech Support hotline that helps consumers get maximum value out of their tech gear by eliminating the hassles, fears and runarounds when resolving problems with computers, peripherals and digital devices:

1. Location
The location of your computer(s), printer(s) and other devices you want to connect can affect your network design. Are they all on one floor or one area? Or are they spread out throughout the house? Are they fixed in their location or are they items that you move around frequently?

2. Know your specs
The specifications of your devices will also play an integral part of planning your network. Some of these items may already come built-in with networking capability while others may not. And with the items that do come built-in with networking it is extremely important to know what type of networking they are compatible with. There is nothing worse than spending time and money to build a home network then realizing that one of your items is not compatible with it!

3. Wired versus Wireless
The first step in setting up your home network is deciding what type of network you want, the two major choices being wired or wireless. When deciding between the two there is one thing to keep in mind: wired networks will never be as convenient as wireless networks, and wireless networks will never have the speed and stability of wired networks. It is all about knowing which option works best for your needs.

4. Speed and Distance
The most common type of wired network uses Ethernet. You may prefer a wired network if you do not feel secure sending data wirelessly through the air; if you need to be able to move large amounts of data quickly; or if all of your devices are located within a close range of each other. Ethernet networks are faster than wireless networks, but wireless networks give you more flexibility. By using radio waves, wireless technology allows you to access your network from anywhere within range of the wireless signal. Wireless signals can reach distances of 100 feet or more from their point of origin, but obstructions such as walls, microwaves, and other home devices can greatly reduce their range.

5. Security
The next thing to consider when building your home network is security, especially if you decide to go with the wireless option. Hackers spend all day thinking about how they can get their hands on your sensitive (i.e. financial) information. Thus it is absolutely essential to have firewalls in place that will help protect your sensitive information. Firewalls can either be in the form of hardware or software. Many routers now come with built in firewalls that will help protect your data, but it is also a very good idea to have software installed on all of the computers that will be part of the network. In addition, if you have a wireless network it is essential to set a good password that cannot be easily hacked.

Many of the devices that you need to set up your home network, whether wired or wireless, can be purchased at your local electronics store, while certified experts such as BluePhone can help you set up everything you need to get it going.

About BluePhone
BluePhone was founded to "demystify technology" and help its members get the most from their technology investments by eliminating the hassles, fears and runarounds of resolving problems with computers and digital devices. BluePhone Personal Tech Experts are certified solution engineers who diagnose and fix problems that plague computer users -- security (spyware, antivirus, spam, firewall), configuration (software, hardware, peripheral devices), and performance (slow speed, crashing, and tune-ups). BluePhone Personal Tech Experts are extensively trained and certified to resolve nearly any computer software problem, offer expert advice, and troubleshoot and fix hardware issues. Services are delivered via desktop sharing technology to remotely access the member's computer after receiving permission.