Ten years ago, only propellerheads would consider installing a home network. Nowadays, a combination of cheap hardware and network-ready operating systems has made the prospect a lot more mainstream. And there are many compelling reasons for doing it.

When networked, every computer in the home can share a printer--so you can cost-justify getting a really good one. And it's possible to share a single Internet connection too--assuming your broadband provider permits it (or doesn't find out). And for the real gadget freak, it's now becoming possible to integrate your computer network to home automation gadgetry--so that from a Web browser at work, you can adjust your home thermostat, turn on the porch light, and even survey the property using cheap PC cams.

The first step, of course, is to figure out how to connect all your computers. There are three basic methods--a wired Ethernet connection, a wireless 802.11b connection (commonly known as Wi-Fi), and a HomePlug Powerline network that uses your home's AC power wires to communicate between computers. You can also use phone lines to carry an inaudible network signal--using technology standards from the Home Phoneline Networking Alliance, but we won't be looking too closely at this method here--it requires rewiring in most houses, and if you're doing that, you might as well go with the faster Ethernet connection.

The Classic Network: CAT-5 Ethernet

Pros: The classic computer network, Et...

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