Computers have become an
essential part of our everyday life. In addition to being glued to the machines
at workplace, people enjoy using the computer at home as a mean of
communication, informatio…

Computers have become an
essential part of our everyday life. In addition to being glued to the machines
at workplace, people enjoy using the computer at home as a mean of
communication, information, entertainment and social networking. As more or
less all family members like to use the computer at home so one desktop machine
is not sufficient anymore and almost everyone has his own desktop, laptop or
tablet in action at home. As everyone has to connect to the internet and share
other resources (printer, scanner etc.) and data so a home network has become a
necessity these days. Some important guideline while setting up a home
connection and maintaining it afterwards are given below:

Wired or Wireless: First you have to decide the type of network you
are going to have. In a wired environment, you will have to place a network
switch at some central location and run cable to each room where a connection
is required. It is more expensive, difficult to setup and not very scalable.
But it is more reliable and secure. Wireless network is considered more
suitable for home users these days. The main reason is that it provides mobility
as home user may want to use the laptop anywhere in the home. Also wireless
network is easier to setup and is more scalable.

Type of Internet Access: A similar decision is whether to get an
internet service through DSL, Cable or WiMAX. DSL is dependent upon your phone
company and the bandwidth may be the best in this case but if you have a bad
phone line or the phone company’s services are not up to the mark then your
internet service will not be smootgh. Similarly cable internet is a good idea
if the cable company’s infrastructure ansd servies are reliable. In case of
WiMAX, you normally do not have to call the company to check the last mile as
they normally are monitoring the transmission all the time. The bandwidth being
offered may be a lot less than DSL. So it is always a tradeoff while choosing
the best internet option.

Network settings: Assign static IP addresses instead of using DHCP.
In case of Wi-Fi system, change the default admin username and password of the
router. Also change the default SSID and disable the SSID broadcast feature.
Enable WPA2 security which will encrypt all data moving in and out of your
network.

Securing the Network: Use a good antivirus program with latest
updates. The program should secure your network from malware, phishing and
adware as well. Use updated version of common software. Use a software firewall
to keep out unwanted traffic. Keep downloading windows and other software
patches and updates so there are no security backdoors to hack your network.
Configure Internet Explorer to use a popup blocker and anti phishing feature.
Prevent kids from downloading malware. Also avoid unwanted downloads. Always
backup your data in case anything goes wrong.

Hardware Security: Take good care of hardware as well. Do not allow
anything to spill on your computers. Keep all the system safe form small
children. Use UPS and surge protectors for
your computers and network hardware. Make sure all the equipment has adequate
air flow. The power outlets should not be overloaded. 

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