Windows Networking – Not Just for Business

It's easy to dismiss computer networking as a concept that only applies to the business environment. However, many computer users don't realize that they actually utilize network technology every day when they browse the Web and check e-mail. (After all, the InterNET is the world's biggest NETwork!)

Out of the box, all of today’s computers come standard with an integrated network adapter, which allows connections to popular appliances like cable/DSL modems, routers and switches. Modern Windows operating systems – namely XP and Vista – enable all common network protocols and services by default. This means that creating a small home network requires little or no configuration; and, while finished walls and ceilings used to create daunting barriers for stringing wire between computers, today's low-cost wireless technology makes this a non-issue. Bottom line: it's never been easier to bring the power of networking into your home.

But why would you want to set up a home network in the first place? Well, if you have more than one computer in the home (a desktop and laptop for example), there are plenty of practical reasons to consider Windows networking. Here are just a few:

1. Internet connection sharing: If one computer is connected to a high-speed Internet (cable or DSL) modem, Windows networking allows you to share this connection with other computers. Doing so does not, in any way, impact your monthly cost for Internet service. Once the service enters your home, the service provider has no authority over how the signal is “carved up” for sharing. Depending upon the equipment provided by your Internet Service Provider, you may have to purchase a special appliance called a "router." However routers are typically inexpensive – less than $60.
   
   Unlike dial-up Internet technology in the days of yore, a shared high speed Internet connection allows multiple computers to surf the Web independently of one and other. That means the kids can browse FaceBook in the living room while Mom checks her e-mail in the basement.
   
   
2. Printer sharing: Most of us make the assumption that every computer has to be connected to its own printer. Not so. Windows makes it very easy to share a single printer in a multi-computer environment. The Microsoft File and Printer Sharing service can save you the cost of extra printers. You may even find that consolidating printers saves you money on ink – that's because ink nozzles on today's popular inkjet printer cartridges tend to clog without frequent activity. Keeping one inkjet printer busy is usually better than using two of them only occasionally.
   
   
3. File sharing: Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to store your family’s digital photos in a central location, yet make the entire collection available to all computers in the home? The same Windows service that allows you to share printers between computers also allows you to share folders and files. Leveraging the power of file sharing helps prevent multiple copies of important files, as well as the ensuing confusion over which one is the most current. File sharing offers obvious advantages to businesses as well. However, concerns over security and privacy usually require the implementation of more sophisticated equipment and software to ensure data is only accessible to authorized personnel.
   
   
4. Data backup: One easy way to prevent data loss due to hardware failure is to use file sharing to transfer copies of critical files from one computer to another. While this backup model does not provide adequate protection against fire, theft or natural disaster, it does protect data from a hard drive crash. Data is mirrored on two physical hard drives – the likelihood of both drives crashing at the same time is slim to none.
   
   
5. Music library sharing: With more and more people using the computer to manage music libraries for iPods and other digital music players, its cool to share music between family members. Windows networking makes this possible too. What’s more, there are many products on the market today that allow you to “stream” music from a computer to your home stereo.
   

Hopefully, you can see that there are plenty of exciting reasons to embrace home networking. Computer Homecare has been installing and supporting networks for both residential and commercial applications for many years. Give us a call if you would like us to show you how you can take advantage of this powerful technology!

Here Comes Windows 7

Microsoft announced last week that Windows 7 has been released to manufacturing. Computer trade publications and beta testers alike all agree that Windows 7 is solid. (Although, plenty in the industry will also freely admit that Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should have been.)

Microsoft's target release date for its new operating system is October 22, 2009. However, consumers who purchase a new computer this Fall may see Windows 7 a bit sooner. Most manufacturers, including Dell, are now offering a free upgrade to Windows 7 with the purchase of most current computer models. So, if you have been “on the fence” about buying because you are waiting for the new version of Windows, you can buy a computer now with Vista, then get a free upgrade to Windows 7 in a few months.

The upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 should be a simple process because the “guts” of new operating system are very similar to Vista. However, customers who wish to upgrade from Windows XP are facing a more complex upgrade task – the process will likely require a “clean install,” which basically means files will have to be backed up, the hard drive reformatted, and programs reinstalled.

Consumers who own pre-XP computers – or even early-model XP systems – will likely find it more cost effective to purchase a new computer with Windows 7 pre-installed. These computers will require costly hardware upgrades to gain the additional horsepower required to run the new operating system. (Remember, it’s wise to stay well ahead of Microsoft’s minimum hardware requirements when upgrading an older computer.)

Computer Homecare is a Dell Registered Partner. All of the computers we recommend are eligible for the free Windows 7 upgrade program. Give us a call if a new computer is in your future.

Frequently Asked Question: Will Windows 7 be Better than Vista?

The experts agree that Windows 7 is a huge improvement over Vista, the previous version of Windows. This is because Windows 7 takes the good elements from Vista (namely the cool, new graphical interface) and fixes the annoying stuff (such as “User Account Control,” which constantly asks for permission every time you make a change to your computer.)

Window 7 also promises to be much more stable than the early iterations of Vista. We think it’s safe to trust this pitch because Windows Vista Service Pack 1 fixed a lot of serious problems. As we have pointed out, Windows 7 is built upon the solid foundation of the latest, patched version of Vista.

There are some cool new features as well. Here are some highlights:

Improved Navigation & Search Capability

• Navigate your desktop using simple gesture controls such as Jump, Peek, Shake and Snap.

• “Pin” frequently used files and programs to the Windows 7 taskbar for quick launch, and get easy access to your favorite media using “Jumplists.”

• Find files quickly with the new Windows Search, which organizes searches on your PC according to logical categories.
  
  
  
  

Fewer Interruptions

• Window 7 promises a faster, more responsive start up and shutdown process.

• You can now customize the way User Account Control alerts you to computer changes. Expert users can even choose to completely disable these reminders.  
  
  

Simplified Sharing and Networking

• Using the new Join a HomeGroup feature in Windows 7 and Create a HomeGroup feature in Windows 7  Premium, Professional and Ultimate, you can easily share media, files and devices without sophisticated and costly server technology.

• The Windows 7 Play To feature makes it easy to use your home audio-video system and other networked media devices to play music, watch videos, and display photos that reside on your computer.
  
  
  
  
  

Compatibility and Data Security Features

• The Windows XP Mode feature available in Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate extends the life of your current Windows XP programs, minimizing the need to purchase upgraded versions.

• The BitLocker feature in Windows 7 Ultimate, helps safeguard critical data on your PC and portable storage devices against loss or theft.
  
  
• Simplify data recovery by using Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate to schedule automatic backups to your home or business network.
  

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Published by Computer Homecare and Small Business Solutions
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