Craig Zacker - Author, Editor, Networker
Building Windows 98 Networks
Introduction

Local area networking, once an esoteric part of the personal computer industry that was better left to professionals, is now becoming much more common in small businesses and even homes. Connecting PCs together with a network can provide many advantages to even the most basic computer users, including the following:

  • Share files and printers without using the floppy disk sneakernet.

  • Share a single Internet connection among multiple computers.

  • Run multi-user applications that provide various types of collaboration between users.

  • Send and receive e-mail.

  • Manage and support systems from remote locations.

  • Create and host your own intranet or Internet Web site.

Although not intended to be a dedicated server platform, Windows 98 provides all of the software you need to build a basic network in your home or business. Plug and play has simplified the process of installing the hardware required to connect your PCs and managing a small network does not require a full-time administrator or a degree in computer science. You will find that a PC network is not only a powerful business tool, but also an excellent solution for the home with multiple computers.