Tips for implementing a wireless, Ethernet or power-line network in a small-business environment.
Your computer is an island when you set it up, but there's no reason to keep it isolated. Your office network should help your PCs easily share information and resources. And there's payoff in large and small networks alike. Even if you connect as few as two computers, this tiny network will help very small businesess look and act more like the big guys.
Fortunately, it's never been easier or cheaper to link the offices and work spaces to exchange e-mail and instant messages, split a Web connection, and share data.
Building a network from scratch today requires neither a lot of cash nor outside consulting. Networking newbies might want to seek help, but if you're at all accustomed to working with PCs, you can do it yourself and do it right. Read on to learn more about your options.
 | Build an Ethernet network Cables still offer unrivaled speed and stability. |
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 | Unwire with Wi-Fi Wireless networking lets you roam freely. |
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 | Turn on a power-line network Eliminate the hassle of pulling cables through walls and ceilings. |
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 | Share your Internet connection Save on Internet service costs by splitting a single connection. |
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 | Put your printer online Share a single printer among multiple computers. |
Brian Nadel is a freelance writer based in New York who is a regular CNET contributor. He has also written for Popular Science, PC Magazine, Mobile Computing & Communications, and Business Tokyo.
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