Pinellas Computer Club

There was a day when networking was complicated. Only a total computer geek would ever bother with it. Nowadays, everyone has more than one computer that wants to be on the internet at the same time or print to the same printer or scanner, etc. The natural thing for anyone to do is build a simple network.

A network is simply 2 or more computers (or other devices) that can talk to each other. This can be done with wires or without. Wires are faster, cheaper, more reliable, and can cover more distance. However, wireless has come a very long way recently. Modern wireless systems are very reliable, very fast, air-tight secure, and very cheap. Wireless is a great choice because you can be anywhere in and around your home and office and surf the Internet, print, work and play without being tied to a wall jack. Once you have sat comfortably on your couch with your laptop, you’ll never go back to your desk.

 Networked computers can share Internet connections, printers, drives, and much more. You can communicate instantly from one to another. You can control one computer remotely from another. You can copy and cross-backup data on more than one computer for safekeeping. Since one device can be used by all the computers on the system, there is no need for multiple printers, scanners, fax machines, copiers, CD burners, etc. You can improve security and safety by monitoring and controlling Internet activity on every connected PC. Your guests can connect their PCs to play games and surf with you.

 Today, lots of things, not just computers, are “networkable”. There are security systems, cameras, telephones, intercoms, audio/video entertainment systems, and lots more. Combining these technologies in the right ways can give you some amazing and high-tech results.

 You can get a good network “router” for as little as $20 from Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and many other places. Just plug in it and off you go. If you are going wireless, make sure you get an “802.11g” or “Wireless G” router and turn on the security settings.

 Modern, simple computer networks are cheap and easy. Any home or office today can take advantage of simple, affordable and secure networking to get the most from all of your equipment.

 If you still don’t want to try it yourself, Swiftek can come out and setup your new or existing network for as little as $100. Or you we can setup your equipment in our lab while you wait.