Introduction

Networking Basics

Nowadays linking PC's together so that you can share files, folders and printers is made easy, whichever operating system you use. For a home network, the type of network most commonly used is called peer-to-peer. Microsoft also calls this type of network a "workgroup". Using a peer-to-peer network you can share files, folders, drives and printers without having to have one PC on all the time as a master PC or domain controller. Networks with domain controllers are commonly used in medium sized businesses and corporations. They run server(s) that store passwords, manage security and permissions across network(s).

You can network PC's with different operating systems through the common language of the internet: TCP/IP. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet protocol - the language of the internet. Networking PC's does not mean that one computer can completely control another. It is of course possible to do this for example through windows remote assistace, software such as VNC, and through trojan horse programs.

Next: Home Networking Harware