Review of Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

There are two similar "Dummies" books, this one and Wireless Home Network for Dummies by Danny Briere (2006).This book is too dummied down, providing little over what you could find in the instruction manual of any router you would buy.And with all the screenshots and cartoons, the book seems padded to boot.

With the Briere book, you can read it and understand wireless networking.For instance, in explaining WEP and WPA-PSK encryption, the Briere book expains how both work and why WPA is much more secure than WEP.This book does mention that WPA is vastly superior to WEP, but doesn't explain why, and then proceeds to go through the steps in setting up WEP and then setting up WPA, as though you could do one right after the other (you can't).

Product Description
Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies is the way to go if you're ready to go wireless and install your own wireless home network. The book's easy-to-navigate design features two columns, with numbered step-by-step instructions on one side and corresponding illustrations, screen shots, or photos on the other. There's no fluff, just the vital stuff-Just The Steps you need to get up to speed fast. This guide covers common networking tasks, including:

• Setting up wireless access points and configuring your network
• Adding wireless devices to your network
• Activating Wi-Fi Security, managing firewalls, and preventing unauthorized network users

You don't have to leave WI-Fi behind when you leave home; this practical reference tells you how to find public hotspots where you can use your Wi-Fi-equipped portable computer and how to network wirelessly with your pocket PC. It covers practical applications like creating a network bridge or adding wireless network storage, plus fun ways to use your tech toys to integrate and enhance your digital life, such as:

• Setting up a wireless media center so you can use a computer for streaming media, as a TV tuner, as a digital video recorder, or to integrate with your TV and home entertainment system
• Turning your pocket PC into a remote control
• Adding a wireless camera to your network

Even if your current system with its cables, wires, and convoluted connections works, it's time to cut the cord. Going wireless gives you many advantages and new options. So take the first step-get this book.

From the Back Cover
Just the steps you need to design and install a wireless network

Simple steps...

...for great results

Search for Wireless Networks

1. Double-click the wireless connection icon in the Windows system tray.
2. In the Wireless Network Connection Status dialog box, shown in Figure 3-11, click the View Wireless Networks button.
3. In the resulting Wireless Network Connectionwindow, shown in Figure 3-12, click RefreshNetwork List in the Network Tasks menu on the left side of the screen.

Use the Wireless Network Connection window to manage your network connections. You can connect or disconnect from networks and change the order of preferred networks when more than one is available.

Get ready to

• Set up wireless access points
• Secure your network
• Boost network performance
• Troubleshoot common problems
• Add peripherals like game consoles
• Find and use public hotspots

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Review of Home Networking For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech)) (Paperback)

This book is very simplistic. It covers basic topics and not in a logical order. In other words, this is not a how-to book. I was specifically looking to gain an understanding of neworking a home computers with a broadband Internet connection. This book could offer no help and had only one paragraph on routers (which wasn't very helpful). If you are just trying to understand what a home network is about then maybe this book will be helpful, but this will not help you set up a network.

Product Description
Having a network in your home increases work efficiency and minimizes confusion. If you want to set up a network in your home but you're not quite sure where to start, then Home Networking for Dummies makes it easy for you to become your household's network administrator. Now fully updated with information on the newest technology in networking available, this quick and to-the-point walkthrough will show you how to install Web connections in your entire home, whether by wires, cables, or WiFi. This resourceful guide illustrates:

• Planning and installing your network
• The differences between Ethernet cable, phone lines, and wireless technology
• Configuring computer sharing
• Setting up and managing users
• Installing, managing, and troubleshooting the network printer
• Understanding UNC format, mapping drives, and traveling on the network
• Working with remote files
• Securing your network from viruses, spyware, and other baddies

Along with the basics, this book introduces fun ways to use your network, including sharing music, keeping shopping lists, creating photo albums, setting up a family budget, and instant messaging. It also provides ways to keep your network safe for kids, such as talking to your child about the Internet, creating site filters, and ISP E-mail filtering features. With this trusty guide your home will be fully connected and you'll be working more efficiently in no time!

From the Back Cover
Integrate a Vista PC into your existing XP network

Share the Internet and work more efficiently from anywhere in your home!

Ready to become the administrator of your own home network? This bestselling guide has been fully updated to walk you through all the newest options in wired and wireless networking. From planning to installation to maintenance, all steps are explained in plain English to help you connect computers, share files and printers, and lock out any snoops!

Kathy Ivens, Senior Contributing Editor for Windows & .NET Magazine, has been a computer consultant since 1984. She has installed hundreds of corporate and private networks.

• Plan and install your network

• Configure computer sharing

• Manage users and profiles

• Make your network secure

• Retrieve data when disaster strikes

• Connect other devices to your network

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