You'll need to base your network on one or more of the network technologies, or types, described below. In every case, however, you'll need these basics:
- One computer equipped with Windows XP and Internet access. This computer will serve as the network's central unit, or Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) host. It should be your fastest, most capable machine.
- One or more additional computers running Windows XP, Windows Millennium Edition, Windows 98 Second Edition, or Windows 98. These computers are called clients and will connect to the ICS host.
- Individual network adapter(its the device that connects your computer to a network. This device is sometimes called an adapter card or network interface card) for each computer.
You can include Windows 95, Windows 2000, Macintosh or UNIX/Linux computers on your home network. However, these computers may require additional software to allow you to share folders or a printer. Consult the documentation that came with those computers.