Tired of battling over who gets to use which computers at home? Don't feel like spending money on another modem and phone line or another hard drive or printer? Here's an idea -- set up your own home network. With expert advice from networking authority Kathy Ivens, you can quickly and easily figure out what you need to know to connect your PCs and peripherals (and save a great deal of money -- plus eliminate headaches -- in the process).

Networking Home PCs For Dummies gives you fast and friendly advice on how to

• Set up the hardware you need, from network interface cards to cables and connectors
• Configure software so your computers can talk to one another
• Create user profiles, personalize desktops, and establish passwords
• Access software -- or play games -- across your networked computers
• Share hardware, including drives, printers, and modems, among computers

Plus, the bonus CD-ROM included with Networking Home PCs For Dummies contains trial versions of several software programs (including NetNanny 3.1, WinZip 7.0, and anti-virus programs) that you may want to consider for your home network.

Average Customer Review: ( 3 customer reviews )
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This book should first be retitled "Netbuie for Dummies" and condensed from 330 down to 10 pages, because if you find even that much useful information in it you're doing well.

The only networking protocol it talks about is Netbuie, something that I (and most people) had already figured out intuitively and which can be spelled out in one double-spaced text page for somebody that doesn't understand it. And the book ONLY uses it, no tcp/ip, and you don't really get a valuable understanding of Netbuie or anything else.

It spends untold pages telling and showing you what the Windows wizards will already tell you. Do you really need 20 pages on setting up a shared printer? How about 70 pages on whether you should use cable or telephone line to hookup without one mention of installation. If you have a network card installed already start at page 71! If you've bought a hub or network kit, the included directions are likely to be more informative than this book. It doesn't even mention Hubs (except in the glossary)!
It NEVER MENTIONS TCP/IP. It never tells you anything about simple things like ftp or pinging between your machines. No conection sharing, no explanation of Client for MS Networks or Windows Login. Do you want to know the difference between a hub and a switch? You won't find it here.

Don't waste your money on this one. I'm not reviewing this from an outside reviewers point of view, I bought this book and tried to use it. I wound up buying another book.

5 of 8 found the following review helpful:

The best Dummies book ever written.Apr 21, 1999

I've bought a lot of Dummies books, and always found they were terrific for getting started with new software. I learn the basics well enough to get my work done, and later I can move on to more advanced topics.

But this book gave me more than basics. The writer explains things so clearly, it's like she's drawing pictures with words. You not only learn what to do, you learn why. Everything is put into context, it all makes such sense, that you almost feel as if you have an expert standing next to you. Even the typical Dummies "humor" is more subtle and more intelligent in this book. Each sentence is so clear and well explained that I didn't have to reread any instructions. I built a home network, then I built home networks for two other homes. The writing in this book is so clear that I could probably start a business of home networking now. This writer is incredibly good, she never talks down to the reader, she just "chats" with you (and it's an intelligent, interesting, amusing conversation).

3 of 5 found the following review helpful:

A Masterpiece of Clear WritingApr 19, 1999

The level of clarity in the writing of this book should be used as a standard for all computer book writers. Kathy Ivens' writing makes you feel as if she's standing over your shoulder, explaining every step. I learned something on every page. Following her directions was a breeze, and I had absolutely no problems, every step I took to build a home network worked exactly as she said it would.