
| Computer Networks Provide Greater Flexibility Anytime our customers have more than one computer, regardless of whether they’re desktop or laptop computers, we recommend setting up a local area network. Networks allow computer users to share files quickly and easily with very little effort. Once the network has been set up then there’s little or no maintenance required to keep it going. Networks save time and money as they eliminate the need for floppy disks and compact disks in order to transfer information from one computer to another. Additionally, all the computers on a network can use the same printer or scanner, which frees up shelf and desk space. Ethernet and Wireless Information There are now two main types of networks: Ethernet (or “wired”) and Wireless (also known as “Wi-Fi”). Both types of networks consist of two main components: a base station (also known as a gateway or router), and a network adapter for each computer on the network. In a wired network, Ethernet cables connect each computer’s network adapter to the base station, or router. In a wireless, or Wi-Fi network, radio waves are used to communicate between each networked computer’s wireless adapter and the wireless base station. Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi computers can easily share files with one another while also sharing the same Internet connection at a very reasonable cost. Those customers who have existing high speed internet connections can use a network to connect additional computers to the Internet without having to pay their Internet service providers (ISP) any additional money each month. Our friendly technicians are happy to give a free estimate as to how much it would cost to install and set up a network depending on the size of the home, apartment or small business as well as the number of computers. |