CHECK IT OUT:

If you are interested in learning more about sharing an Internet connection at home among multiple computers, networking your home computers together, or even adding wireless Internet into your existing home network, the library has a number of resources that can assist you.

Building a home network can simplify the act of sharing files between users and help you be more productive. Incorporating Wi-Fi could help free you from a mess of cables tethering your laptop to a particular room and allow you to move from room to room, or even get outside.

“Wireless Home Networking Simplified” by Jim Doherty and Neil Anderson covers the selection of appropriate equipment, the installation of your networking equipment and step-by step instructions on how to set up the various features, including security, wireless Internet, Internet sharing and troubleshooting.

The book is filled with color screen shots that help in reinforcing the information. Owners of Linksys routers will reap the best benefits, since this title is published by Cisco.

If you are just getting started on this subject, never fear — the library has many titles that are appropriate for beginners. “Wireless All-in-One Desk Reference for Dummies” by Todd Carter and “Home Networking for Dummies” by Kathy Ivens are both very suitable for anyone getting started or just more comfortable with the “Dummies” series of books. Both of these titles are written for the average layperson and cover basic concepts of networking multiple computers together, as well as information on various operating systems and equipment.

Two more titles that might appeal to a beginner are “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Home Networking” by Mark Edward Soper and “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Wi-Fi” by Harold Davis. The “Absolute Beginner” series, much like the “Dummies” series, is geared for those just getting started, but offers enough information to help more advanced users as well.

These books contain many screen shots and introduce lots of tips and notes along the way that help make the subject easier to digest.

For advanced users in need of a quick reference guide, the library has some additional titles that may be of interest. “Wireless Networking Visual Quick Tips” by Rob Tidrow contains full-color screen shots covering more advanced information, such as file sharing, updating drivers, work groups and user accounts.

“Geeks on Call Wireless Networking 5-Minute Fixes” by J. Geier, E. Geier and J.R. King tackles short-solution projects, such as adding a network card to a computer, configuring settings, adding peripherals to a network and maintaining a network.

This title is best suited for more advanced users, or those looking to troubleshoot a specific topic.

“Over-the-Road Wireless for Dummies” by E. Phil Haley is a useful book written for travelers or those who typically need to connect their wireless computer with Wi-Fi hot spots at coffee shops, hotels or conference halls.

It contains helpful information on choosing appropriate equipment, turning your cell phone into a modem and remotely connecting into your home computer.

This book is best suited for those with some technical knowledge or to those intrigued by the idea of getting more out of their personal laptops or portable devices.

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved online by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org. For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.