What are the highs and lows about networking

[ComputerNewbie]

Hi, I am recently building a new computer and have thought about networking my Athlon750 to my older p233mmx and dont know anything about networking only that you can connect two computers toghether and view the stuff. So plz tell me what networking is all about.

 

[SufferinSuccotash]

Basically, networking is all about the sharing of information. You can network to share files, printers, applications, so that each computer can have access to the same information. Personally, I use my network at home because I am a geek, and I use one computer for gaming, one for playing around with Linux, and my fiance has a computer she uses. I set up a network between the three computers so that I can play on my Linux box from my main gaming (Win2K) machine, and so that all three can have access to the Internet.

 

[Unclemo]

lows? none! Ever since I first networked my house a year and a half ago I can't imagine how I lived without it. THe whole family can't live without 1 PC in each room online. Actually, that does not even cut it.. I like to have 2 PCs in the larger rooms where people spend most of their time. I guess PCs>TV. You will love it and it will be addicting.

 

[Henry Kuo]

The only "low" that I can think of is that you have to pay some extra bucks for the network. However, the highs are piling up like the sears tower. I think it is really fun to do networking, and it is very useful.

Obviously the trend is that there are going to be more than one computer in each home soon. However, there isn't a trend that every household will get an extra phone line or DSL line for a new computer. So networking is the only way to go.

Networking is actually easy, which the help of nowadays software. for you that only have two machines, the cheapest thing you can do as a tryout is a crossover cable. it is cheap, and you can taste how networking is like.

later on when you get more than two, you need a hub or a switch, that will be more interesting, but i think it still worths. I have 3 computers at home now, and i never regret to setup the home LAN.