Network Access

Linking home computers is a great idea for families who want to explore the Internet together or exchange information via email or instant messaging. You can connect several family members’ computers with cable or by using radio signals. Of course, if you don’t know how to do this type of work, you will need to contract with an expert who can set up the linkages for you. Fees will vary, with an average for basic work at around $100 to $150. When the computers are linked to become a network, you will have to create user identification codes for each family member. This will allow them access to the home computer network or LAN. Use the computer settings for each person to create a user name and password. These should be printed and stored somewhere in case someone forgets his or her access information. The codes will let each network member access the network for computer usage, and the lack of the codes will prevent non-network members from accessing the network. Be sure to remind kids not to share personal identification or logon information with friends or other PC users they meet online,

as this can possible allow hackers or viruses to enter the network and destroy hardware and software. Network access allows a family member to logon to the PC and use the Internet for a variety of functions and services. Without the access code, no one can get into the network and use shared services like the Internet, a printer, and so on. Parental controls are a valuable feature afforded by networked computers. They allow parents to monitor a child’s network activities and help to prevent problems with predators or misuse of Internet information. To learn more about network access, read your user’s manual or contact a PC specialist who can explain how the network linkages work.