But what if you want to see what??™s on your other computers? Turn the
page. It??™s time to network your home.
?—?
?—?
caution
Figure 8-1
You can add extra
monitors to a laptop by
using an external video
interface.
One monitor connected
to the laptop??™s external
graphics connector
External video interface
with two monitors
connected
90
Project 9
Build a Wired
Network in Your
Home
What You??™ll Need
Hardware: Switch, cables, reel of cable (optional), cable crimper
(optional), punch-down tool (optional), cable stripper (optional), cable
tacker (optional)
Software: Windows Vista or Windows XP
Cost: $50??“300 U.S.
This project shows you how to create a wired network in your house or other
dwelling so that your PCs can communicate with each other and share your Internet
connection. A wired network can transmit large amounts of data quickly
and reliably and requires no maintenance once you have set it up. Installing the network
takes some time and effort, but you will find that the usefulness and convenience
of the network will repay these soon enough.
Time and effort??¦you may be wondering whether you should set up a wired network
or take the easier route and set up a wireless network. I recommend that you
choose a wired Ethernet network, because it is far faster and far more secure than a
wireless network, and once you have installed the cables and other equipment, the
network normally will run without trouble for several years.
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