Most of the routers setup and basic functions can be found through the guided HTML interface using the information from your ISP. After completing this set up the router should be functioning properly. Logging in through a telnet prompt (use Start > Run > type telnet) I was able to change more of the advanced settings. Unlike the Netgear router, routers from D-link and Linksys offer the more advanced options through the web-based configuration, which I prefer over telnet.

The only software that needs to be setup at this point is your browser. Simply set your browser (be it Netscape, IE or whatever) to access the internet through a LAN connection. Also, don't forget to remove your dial-up info if you are not using dial-up access on that computer any longer.

It will also be beneficial to set up shared drives, printers, or files so that users on the network can access other user's shared drives or printers. Before setting up shared resources, verify in your network control panel applet that you have ‘File and printer sharing' installed. To set up a shared drive simply right click on a file, folder, or drive you would like to share, and click "share." It is a good idea to set a password for what you are looking to share through the network. If you don't set a password you are putting your network at risk. Considering the nature of the network (if it's connected to a broadband internet connection), and the potential for hackers to access your computer and destroy your files, firewalls are not always 100% effective.

As Local Area Networks become more common in households throughout the world, you can expect new, even easier (could it get any easier?) to implement networking devices will become available. Once they get it right, wireless home networking looks to be a big hit as long as they can keep the prices down and ease of use up. Imagine, a network without wires!

Ryan Wissman
Contributing Editor