Creating a network at home has been possible since early versions of Windows. But Windows 98 Second Edition now makes it much easier to enjoy the benefits of a network.

Like the computer network you may use at the office, a home network is more than just software. It also includes a piece of electronic equipment known as an adapter, which can either fit inside your computer or sit on your desk. Each computer in a network requires a network adapter.

There are a number of manufacturers that make adapters for home networks, including 3Com, Intel, Proxim, and others. The latest hardware devices employ a variety of technologies (including phone lines, power lines, wireless, and Ethernet) to send and receive data between computers in your home. Some even use radio signals to transmit data between your computers, somewhat like a cordless phone.

Both the phone wiring and the radio signal option remove the need for any special cable connection between the machines that form your home network.

External adapters are the easiest to set up, and typically involve little more than plugging in a cable (to your computer), a phone line (to the wall), and a power cord (also to the wall).

Follow the installation instructions provided by the maker of the hardware device you purchase.

Check out why a home network makes sense financially.