It is a fact that companies who do not network are missing tapping into a rich stream of new contacts and new business that can make them more successful, profitable and help them to understand their customers and the marketplace better whilst testing their message and its effectiveness. The other fact is that many people who do network make mistakes which can cost them winning new business in volume. Now we all make mistakes, so what can you look out for and how can you maximize your networking activities by avoiding costly errors?
1. Prejudging People.
You cannot afford to prejudge people; you simply do not know who they know or who they can connect you and your business to. I have had some of my best referrals from people who I initially thought could not help me. We've all heard the saying, never judge a book by its cover, but many of us do. Instead, give people time and your attention. It is also worth mentioning on the flipside that all that glitters is not gold, be open-minded and don't jump to conclusions.
2. Not Following Up
People go out there, get the contacts, business cards and introductions but fail to follow up or when they do follow up they are trying to sell. Top referral achievers know how to follow up and they follow up on all contacts and keep in regular contact. The people you meet at business networking forums are their as equals, they do not want to be sold to and they definitely do not want to be treated as prospects however they may become customers or clients in time and that is fine but your objective is to find out about them and build rapport with the view to becoming an advocate of their business. It is also worth remembering that in business, as in the sporting arena, top performers develop skill and success through persistence and a focus on continuous improvement. Please understand that networking is a marketing tool and not just an event that you go to. I would implore you to follow up, don't hesitate don't even allow that little voice in your head to put you off, JUST DO IT.
3. No Clear Objective
You want quality business, right? So your objective should be to build relationships on the following 3 criteria: know, like and trust.
*Know - getting to know your contact first is vital, a good way to get the conversation going is to ask open-ended questions in which the person cannot easily answer yes or no. For example, how did you get into this business? What type of businesses are you looking to be referred to?
*Like- this is all about building rapport and getting on well. Many business referral clubs have an annual membership investment fee of £500 to £600, which is great. However, too many people undervalue the unique opportunity that this investment can give them and their business. You should be looking to get a return of 40 to 50 times your investment and then some.
*Trust - mutual beneficial business relationships must be built on trust as we are talking about your reputation there must be no hidden agendas.
4. Not Listening
Your ability to listen is one of the most important skills to have and it will give you the edge if you can learn, develop and cultivate it. This isn't about just hearing what is said it is about understanding and taking in what people really mean. Real listening will require your complete focus and attention. What are people really looking to achieve? What do people think is important about their business, job, personal ambition, and family, what is important to them? Usually people don't listen because they are too busy focusing on what they want to say next in a conversation. Remember practice and write down key areas of importance so the next time you speak or follow up you can ask them about their interests. You have 2 choices you can be an interesting person or you can be an interested person, you decide!
5. Talking about what you do
Talk in terms of what benefits you deliver to your clients, suppliers, customers and contacts. Talk enthusiastically and be specific do not go into detail at an initial first meeting at a networking event. Try to get over, What is unique about you? Why do you do what you do? How do you deliver more value than others in your sector? Please do not fall into the trap of saying that it is your service or quality of your product that differentiates you, this is far too common and generic, explain how, and explain why. Explain any guarantees. Also let people know who you want to be referred to specifically, NEVER say anybody or everybody as you will usually get referred to nobody, because this is not specific enough.
6. Short Term Thinking
Don't be a hunter or a deal chaser to get the best results from your networking activities you need to take a long term approach you cannot afford to have an attitude of What's in it for me or what can I get out of this, you must replace this with the mantra How can I help you or How can I serve. Go out there to make a positive impact on someone's day. Effective people take a farming approach to networking, they focus on cultivating relationships for mutual long term benefit and they definitely do not chase deals or instant sales. You may attend a networking forum and do business initially that's great.
However, this should not be your primary objective as referral's work best if you develop a know like and trust strategy as mentioned, When you get a referral you want to know, that it is the type of business you want and importantly you want to know that you are going to get paid for your product or service so to protect yourself follow these 3 simple steps;
Step one get to know your networking colleagues know what they do, know what they like and don't like, know what they stand for and what they are about.
Step two get to like them, get them to like you and build a relationship whilst developing rapport.
Step three build trust and make sure they're reliable and test their reliability on little things first. I cannot stress how important it is to know like and trust your networking colleagues, because you cannot afford to introduce the wrong person, solution or Company to your valuable network, clients, contacts or customers if they cannot perform and also more importantly you cannot expect others to put you in front or introduce you and your company to their valuable contacts if you cannot perform and successfully deliver on your promises. People who you recommend represent you so don't cut corners.
7. Letting Fear Get The Better Of You
So you feel nervous about going up to a complete stranger and introducing yourself, you feel apprehensive, this makes you normal. We were all taught as children not to talk to strangers. As a kid this strategy was given to you to protect you. In certain situations or circumstances today this may be advisable however in most cases it definitely does not apply now. In business, however, talking to complete strangers is a way to generate interest and contacts for your products and services.
If you only talk to the people you already know and deal with, you will miss out on opportunities to make new connections. Set a target for yourself before you attend any networking event. Decide how many new contacts you want to make or how many strangers you want to meet. Above all make it fun, turn it into a game and take yourself out of your comfort zone and I promise you that with practice, determination and action you will look back and think what was I worried about, you will also find it to be one of the best business decisions you've ever made.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
MLM Training - Would You Perform Your Own Surgery?
Did you consider MLM training before you dove into your new Network Marketing Business? Training is absolutely essential to your MLM success.
Assuming you have no knowledge of electricity, would you decide to wire your brand new 3700 square foot home yourself?
How about surgery? Would you sit at the kitchen table with a steak knife and just get instructions from your surgeon over the phone on how to perform your own surgery? I doubt it. Yes that is a commercial.... hilarious once the guy realizes this might not be such a brilliant plan after all.
I realize it is hard to know what type of MLM training will help you succeed. The training takes time away from the building process in some ways, but just as it is essential to lay a strong foundation for your new home before beginning to frame the home.
It is equally important to lay a solid foundation of knowledge about the MLM industry, the company, MLM marketing and management skills before diving headlong into promoting.
My first few years in Network Marketing, my up-line didn't have the same definition of what training meant as I did. I was looking for practical MLM training tips and marketing ideas with substance I could use to build my Network Marketing business.
Those first few years, the training I received was focused mostly on product knowledge, which you do need to a certain extent. Basically they had no other marketing suggestions except to call my 50 friends and family again and again, sit in the mall and cold call.
They never considered my family and friends might not be my target market. I had no duplicable system to follow. My up-line's personality allowed for 99 "no's" to get that one "yes". My personality does not.
I needed a duplicable system. Cold calling in the mall, calling family and friends over and over is not a duplicable system. The rest of the MLM training I received was related more to "how to give a presentation" and "sell the prospect".
Network Marketing is not about "selling" the prospect on your "deal". Network Marketing is a teaching and mentoring business built on building relationships with others and truly trying to help others meet a need.
Helping others meet their needs and goals will help you to meet yours as well! The Golden Rule is quite applicable: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."
MLM training should be as individual as it is essential to the success of the distributor. Each person comes to the MLM industry with different needs, MLM goals and skills. All people can be successful in this business if they understand a few things:
1) They will NOT get rich quickly. (The average time it takes to make a desirable income is 3 to 5 years. Can it be done quicker? Of course!)
2) They WILL be required to WORK in their business. (It will not fall in their lap!)
3) Network Marketing Training and Up-Line support is essential to your business (Most of us can't succeed alone!)
4) The business model of the chosen MLM Company is crucial to the success it's distributors
5) Do you have a duplicable system for attracting prospects to your business?
Assuming you have no knowledge of electricity, would you decide to wire your brand new 3700 square foot home yourself?
How about surgery? Would you sit at the kitchen table with a steak knife and just get instructions from your surgeon over the phone on how to perform your own surgery? I doubt it. Yes that is a commercial.... hilarious once the guy realizes this might not be such a brilliant plan after all.
I realize it is hard to know what type of MLM training will help you succeed. The training takes time away from the building process in some ways, but just as it is essential to lay a strong foundation for your new home before beginning to frame the home.
It is equally important to lay a solid foundation of knowledge about the MLM industry, the company, MLM marketing and management skills before diving headlong into promoting.
My first few years in Network Marketing, my up-line didn't have the same definition of what training meant as I did. I was looking for practical MLM training tips and marketing ideas with substance I could use to build my Network Marketing business.
Those first few years, the training I received was focused mostly on product knowledge, which you do need to a certain extent. Basically they had no other marketing suggestions except to call my 50 friends and family again and again, sit in the mall and cold call.
They never considered my family and friends might not be my target market. I had no duplicable system to follow. My up-line's personality allowed for 99 "no's" to get that one "yes". My personality does not.
I needed a duplicable system. Cold calling in the mall, calling family and friends over and over is not a duplicable system. The rest of the MLM training I received was related more to "how to give a presentation" and "sell the prospect".
Network Marketing is not about "selling" the prospect on your "deal". Network Marketing is a teaching and mentoring business built on building relationships with others and truly trying to help others meet a need.
Helping others meet their needs and goals will help you to meet yours as well! The Golden Rule is quite applicable: "Treat others as you would have them treat you."
MLM training should be as individual as it is essential to the success of the distributor. Each person comes to the MLM industry with different needs, MLM goals and skills. All people can be successful in this business if they understand a few things:
1) They will NOT get rich quickly. (The average time it takes to make a desirable income is 3 to 5 years. Can it be done quicker? Of course!)
2) They WILL be required to WORK in their business. (It will not fall in their lap!)
3) Network Marketing Training and Up-Line support is essential to your business (Most of us can't succeed alone!)
4) The business model of the chosen MLM Company is crucial to the success it's distributors
5) Do you have a duplicable system for attracting prospects to your business?
Friday, December 14, 2007
How To Network Your Way To Success In Any Industry
You have no doubt heard the expression: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Pump Up Those Business Networking Genes to Increase Sales
Business networking is one of the most effective marketing strategies. The more people you meet the greater likelihood of increasing leads and putting them into your marketing funnel.
Since people buy from people they know and trust, business networking event provide opportunities for people to meet you , to begin to know you and hopefully start to trust you.
How good you are at business networking is a reflection of how well you unite your marketing skills, selling skills and self leadership skills. All of these skills are necessary when you are actively marketing yourself through networking event.
So the question is: How good are you at meet and greet? And, more importantly what are your results from these business events? Do you have stacks of business cards accumulating on or near your desk? What process do you have in place to start capturing some of the hidden wealth within these cards?
Networking as defined by Lillian Bjorseth in her book Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last is:
A mutually beneficial relationship
Unfortunately, many in business see networking as a one way relationship - What's in it for me? They forget to view people as people, because they are viewing them as objects. This perspective is well explored in the book by the Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self Deception.
When you meet and greet people with the attitude (habit of thought) that you are there to help them, you can begin to develop authentic relationships that will last. Then you will learn if they have a need for your products or services. The more they talk, the more you will discover and be able to overcome any future stalls and objections if and when you make that sales presentation.
One indicator of how much your networking gene is really pumped is when people start asking you about this person or that person. When you are authentically connected, people will know and you will not have to tell them.
Since people buy from people they know and trust, business networking event provide opportunities for people to meet you , to begin to know you and hopefully start to trust you.
How good you are at business networking is a reflection of how well you unite your marketing skills, selling skills and self leadership skills. All of these skills are necessary when you are actively marketing yourself through networking event.
So the question is: How good are you at meet and greet? And, more importantly what are your results from these business events? Do you have stacks of business cards accumulating on or near your desk? What process do you have in place to start capturing some of the hidden wealth within these cards?
Networking as defined by Lillian Bjorseth in her book Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last is:
A mutually beneficial relationship
Unfortunately, many in business see networking as a one way relationship - What's in it for me? They forget to view people as people, because they are viewing them as objects. This perspective is well explored in the book by the Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self Deception.
When you meet and greet people with the attitude (habit of thought) that you are there to help them, you can begin to develop authentic relationships that will last. Then you will learn if they have a need for your products or services. The more they talk, the more you will discover and be able to overcome any future stalls and objections if and when you make that sales presentation.
One indicator of how much your networking gene is really pumped is when people start asking you about this person or that person. When you are authentically connected, people will know and you will not have to tell them.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Business Card Do's and Don'ts
The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today. Whether CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or founder and part-time CEO of a web-based start-up, the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool. But like any tool, it must be used properly. The do's and don'ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success are helpful to prosper in a business or organization of any size.
The Business Card
If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization's name, logo and tag line.
When to Carry Business Cards
Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards
Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
When to Offer Your Business Card
Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
Business Card "Don'ts"
- Don't give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don't give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don't drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don't give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don't leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk - and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don't hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
Old Business Cards
Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for "to do" lists.
Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.
The Business Card
If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization's name, logo and tag line.
When to Carry Business Cards
Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards
Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
When to Offer Your Business Card
Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
Business Card "Don'ts"
- Don't give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don't give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don't drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don't give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don't leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk - and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don't hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
Old Business Cards
Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for "to do" lists.
Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.
How To Network Your Way To Success In Any Industry
Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."
If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.
1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.
2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.
3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.
4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.
5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.
6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.
7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.
8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.
9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.
10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
How To Set Up a Wireless Network
How To set up a Wireless Network
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Setting Up Your Network
Configuring a LAN used to be a real pain. You had to manually assign a network address to each device on the network, and keep a record of them to make sure that you didn’t use the same one twice – if you did, both devices would stop working. However, modern LANs with routers using a system called DHCP.
DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. It’s a fancy way of saying that when a device connects to the network, it asks the router which addresses are free, and then the router allocates one to it for a limited amount of time. This allows you to connect and disconnect things from your network whenever you want, without having to configure them. Even if your laptop has never connected to a network before, you can just plug it in, and off you go, without needing to know anything about how the network is configured.
In general, to get a modern network up and running, all you need to do is wire up each computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Often this will be enough to get the computers to see each other, but occasionally you need some extra configuration. In Windows, the easiest way to configure a network is to go to My Network Places on the desktop or the Start menu, and then click ‘Set up a home or small office network’.
Once you’ve done that, any printers or other devices that are connected to any of the computers, or to the router itself, will be automatically shared. If you want to share individual folders between computers, that’s also simple to do – just right click them in My Computer, choose Properties then the Sharing tab, and then put a tick in the ‘Share this folder on the network’ box.
DHCP stands for dynamic host configuration protocol. It’s a fancy way of saying that when a device connects to the network, it asks the router which addresses are free, and then the router allocates one to it for a limited amount of time. This allows you to connect and disconnect things from your network whenever you want, without having to configure them. Even if your laptop has never connected to a network before, you can just plug it in, and off you go, without needing to know anything about how the network is configured.
In general, to get a modern network up and running, all you need to do is wire up each computer to the router using an Ethernet cable. Often this will be enough to get the computers to see each other, but occasionally you need some extra configuration. In Windows, the easiest way to configure a network is to go to My Network Places on the desktop or the Start menu, and then click ‘Set up a home or small office network’.
Once you’ve done that, any printers or other devices that are connected to any of the computers, or to the router itself, will be automatically shared. If you want to share individual folders between computers, that’s also simple to do – just right click them in My Computer, choose Properties then the Sharing tab, and then put a tick in the ‘Share this folder on the network’ box.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Differences In A Home Based Network Marketing Business From A Traditional Business
A home based network marketing business is the perfect business to start if you are looking for a way to make extra money from the comfort of your own home. The beauty of starting a network marketing business and running it at home is all of the savings you will enjoy over a traditional business. Here are a few big differences a network marketing business offers in the way of saving over the brick and mortar business.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
Is Your Wireless Network a Home Security Breach?
Wireless networks for home computers are becoming more and more popular but do you know how to protect your Wi-Fi network?
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
Friday, November 16, 2007
What I Miss Most About Dish Network
I’ve been a DIRECTV customer for a year and a half now. Overall I am happy, but everyone once in a while I remember what I miss about my old Dish Network account.
First of all there was the DVR. I think with time all DVR systems continue to improve, but what I miss most about my Dish DVR is the ability to skip ahead 30 seconds. This allowed me to press the skip button approximately 4 times and jump through all the commercials. With my current DVR, I have not other option but to fast forward through them. Even at the fastest speed it is not as fast as pressing the “jump ahead” button 4 times. Also, at the fastest speed I have to pay close attention to the scenes or I can easily go past the point I wanted to start watching again.
The second thing I miss most is the display guide. Obviously DIRECTV has a display guide, but I prefer Dish Networks. I still own the 25” TV we purchased at Costco with money we were given at our wedding nearly 7 years ago. Dish Network has a big, easy to read guide. DIRECTV is much more fancy – especially on our TiVo system. Because of this it is much slower and harder to read on our archaic TV.
My third issue always deals with the display guide. On Dish Network, we could easily see from the guide which channels we did not subscribe to. They appeared in red. I don’t know why DIRECTV doesn’t have this feature. You can select the option to only see the channels you subscribe to, but from my experience this doesn’t work very well and you still see way too many channels you don’t want to see. If you don’t have the channel, you don’t really have a way of knowing just from the guide display.
And while I’m still on the topic of the guide, let me bring up another complaint. With our Dish Network system, my wife and I could have our own custom lists of the channels we like to watch most. It was easy to set up and easy to see what list you were on, and very easy to switch between those lists. It seems DIRECTV only has one custom list which we use to filter out all the pay per view and other channels we don’t get or never watch (like all those shopping channels). Plus, changing between viewing all, viewing subscribed, or viewing your custom list is a major ordeal of going into the setup menu and drilling down to the right option. With Dish Network’s system, you just press the guide button again to switch between these lists.
So with everything in life, we can’t have it all. But these four points along with the fact the Dish Network can be owned at a cheaper price make it an appealing choice for much of the TV watching population.
First of all there was the DVR. I think with time all DVR systems continue to improve, but what I miss most about my Dish DVR is the ability to skip ahead 30 seconds. This allowed me to press the skip button approximately 4 times and jump through all the commercials. With my current DVR, I have not other option but to fast forward through them. Even at the fastest speed it is not as fast as pressing the “jump ahead” button 4 times. Also, at the fastest speed I have to pay close attention to the scenes or I can easily go past the point I wanted to start watching again.
The second thing I miss most is the display guide. Obviously DIRECTV has a display guide, but I prefer Dish Networks. I still own the 25” TV we purchased at Costco with money we were given at our wedding nearly 7 years ago. Dish Network has a big, easy to read guide. DIRECTV is much more fancy – especially on our TiVo system. Because of this it is much slower and harder to read on our archaic TV.
My third issue always deals with the display guide. On Dish Network, we could easily see from the guide which channels we did not subscribe to. They appeared in red. I don’t know why DIRECTV doesn’t have this feature. You can select the option to only see the channels you subscribe to, but from my experience this doesn’t work very well and you still see way too many channels you don’t want to see. If you don’t have the channel, you don’t really have a way of knowing just from the guide display.
And while I’m still on the topic of the guide, let me bring up another complaint. With our Dish Network system, my wife and I could have our own custom lists of the channels we like to watch most. It was easy to set up and easy to see what list you were on, and very easy to switch between those lists. It seems DIRECTV only has one custom list which we use to filter out all the pay per view and other channels we don’t get or never watch (like all those shopping channels). Plus, changing between viewing all, viewing subscribed, or viewing your custom list is a major ordeal of going into the setup menu and drilling down to the right option. With Dish Network’s system, you just press the guide button again to switch between these lists.
So with everything in life, we can’t have it all. But these four points along with the fact the Dish Network can be owned at a cheaper price make it an appealing choice for much of the TV watching population.
Small Business Networks: Getting Past Small Business Networking Myopia
Many small businesses mistakenly think that they’re too small to cost-justify a "real" client/server small business network. However, because small businesses want, and in most cases, need, the same technology tools as their larger competitors, deploying a peer-to-peer network doesn’t usually make small business sense (except for the tiniest small offices).
Don’t Let Clients Underestimate Technology Requirements
When purchase decisions are based solely on the initial price, small businesses tend to underestimate their technology requirements. If your client or prospect requires a secure, reliable, scalable and flexible technology backbone, the client or prospect needs a "real", dedicated server for their small business network.
As virtual CIO, part of your responsibility is to see that "sound" decisions are made. So don’t let your small business clients invest in "dead end" peer-to-peer small business networking solutions that are difficult to support and expensive to upgrade.
If your clients value their data, productivity, uptime and technology investment, a "real" server should be a "no brainer".
The Bottom Line about Small Business Networks
In much the same way that every home begins with a solid foundation, your clients’ small business networks need a secure, scalable, rock-solid file and printer-sharing infrastructure before you can start adding value-added "bells and whistles".
Don’t Let Clients Underestimate Technology Requirements
When purchase decisions are based solely on the initial price, small businesses tend to underestimate their technology requirements. If your client or prospect requires a secure, reliable, scalable and flexible technology backbone, the client or prospect needs a "real", dedicated server for their small business network.
As virtual CIO, part of your responsibility is to see that "sound" decisions are made. So don’t let your small business clients invest in "dead end" peer-to-peer small business networking solutions that are difficult to support and expensive to upgrade.
If your clients value their data, productivity, uptime and technology investment, a "real" server should be a "no brainer".
The Bottom Line about Small Business Networks
In much the same way that every home begins with a solid foundation, your clients’ small business networks need a secure, scalable, rock-solid file and printer-sharing infrastructure before you can start adding value-added "bells and whistles".
Monday, November 05, 2007
Guide to Choosing ISP
Businesses need to look twice as hard for the right ISP than home users do. Company owners need to ensure that their ISP providers can cater for their company as well as possible expansions in the future.
Although the natural notion would be to go for the cheaper option, when considering the amount of employees you have and how valuable a tool the Internet is for them, cheaper doesn’t cut it. If paying extra means prompt service, a bigger bandwidth and fewer hassles then paying for it is better. The last thing you want is the Internet to go down and the cheaper company to take a week to get round to it. Or alternatively, the cheaper ISP company can’t handle the traffic and they themselves go down, dragging your company with it.
Ideally, all Internet problems should be the ISP company’s problems not yours and professional ISP companies might charge a bit more, but to go from month to month without a hiccup makes it worth it. Make sure that the Internet providers are able to give you exactly what your company needs. Check for features such as e-mail accounts, domain options, connection time and speed.
Most ISP companies have various servers that are assigned to the client. Check how many other clients are using your server. If the server can’t handle the traffic, then the Internet will go down. For large companies, ask which lines they are using. Ideally you will want a T3 as they are more efficient and the speed is better then a T1. T1 are good for home use or alternatively small companies.
Enquire about e-mail accounts. Although when you first register with an ISP company you might have, say, 10 people at the company. But as time goes on, they might become 15, or 20. You need to find out that the ISP can keep up and grow with your company. To be able to set-up additional accounts without a long waiting time is crucial. Also remember that more people will mean you need more bandwidth.
There are various types of ways to connect to the Internet, such as dial up, ADSL, etc. Dial up isn’t really a valuable or efficient way for a business to stay connected. It was one of the first systems in place and hasn’t revolutionized itself since. It would be similar to using a Morse code device rather than a telephone. For home use, dial up is perfect to download and send e-mails and occasionally surf the net. For an entire company to use this system isn’t practicable.
ADSL is fast becoming the ideal way for businesses to connect to the web. ISP providers offer a different amount of bandwidth and the speed is generally smooth and quick. Wireless is also becoming a decent option, but is more suitable for laptops then PCs.
Although the natural notion would be to go for the cheaper option, when considering the amount of employees you have and how valuable a tool the Internet is for them, cheaper doesn’t cut it. If paying extra means prompt service, a bigger bandwidth and fewer hassles then paying for it is better. The last thing you want is the Internet to go down and the cheaper company to take a week to get round to it. Or alternatively, the cheaper ISP company can’t handle the traffic and they themselves go down, dragging your company with it.
Ideally, all Internet problems should be the ISP company’s problems not yours and professional ISP companies might charge a bit more, but to go from month to month without a hiccup makes it worth it. Make sure that the Internet providers are able to give you exactly what your company needs. Check for features such as e-mail accounts, domain options, connection time and speed.
Most ISP companies have various servers that are assigned to the client. Check how many other clients are using your server. If the server can’t handle the traffic, then the Internet will go down. For large companies, ask which lines they are using. Ideally you will want a T3 as they are more efficient and the speed is better then a T1. T1 are good for home use or alternatively small companies.
Enquire about e-mail accounts. Although when you first register with an ISP company you might have, say, 10 people at the company. But as time goes on, they might become 15, or 20. You need to find out that the ISP can keep up and grow with your company. To be able to set-up additional accounts without a long waiting time is crucial. Also remember that more people will mean you need more bandwidth.
There are various types of ways to connect to the Internet, such as dial up, ADSL, etc. Dial up isn’t really a valuable or efficient way for a business to stay connected. It was one of the first systems in place and hasn’t revolutionized itself since. It would be similar to using a Morse code device rather than a telephone. For home use, dial up is perfect to download and send e-mails and occasionally surf the net. For an entire company to use this system isn’t practicable.
ADSL is fast becoming the ideal way for businesses to connect to the web. ISP providers offer a different amount of bandwidth and the speed is generally smooth and quick. Wireless is also becoming a decent option, but is more suitable for laptops then PCs.
Holiday Networking, Santa-Style
It’s that special time of year again. Odds are that very soon you’ll be mingling with people you barely know (or know all-too-well) at some sort of holiday get-together. Whether you’re attending out of courtesy, tradition, or business desperation (it’s been a tough year for many) doesn’t matter. What DOES matter is that you understand how holiday networking differs from the networking you’ll be doing in January.
Holiday networking is less aggressive, slower-paced and more subtle. Think “market research” instead of “close the deal” and you’ll have the right mindset. Yes, making connections that lead to sales is still a primary reason for attending social functions, but around the holidays it’s less obvious. The social “dance” is longer.
So when preparing for your holiday party “performance,” practice the role of Santa instead of Scrooge, and you’ll do just fine.
How would Santa act at that lavish bash in your office building next week?
First, remember that Santa is friendly and approachable to EVERYONE. He’s not a snob or someone who’s solely focused on influential, powerful people. You’d do well to adopt that attitude yourself. You’ll enjoy yourself more, feel less stressed, and who knows? You may meet someone with unexpected influence or connections.
If you’re one of the many people who’d rather have teeth pulled than talk to strangers, rehearse a few “safe” opening lines. “So how do you know (the host/hostess)?” or “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” are non-threatening ways to begin a conversation, with the added benefit of allowing you to look for connections. And “How has your day been?” is much more likely to initiate small-talk than the usual “How are you?” (“Fine, thanks.”) exchange.
Second, Santa is a great listener who’s really focused on other people’s wants and needs and not his own. He invites confidences and listens more than he speaks. Can you imagine Santa thrusting his business card on someone he’s barely met? (I DO have one of his cards, by the way. See it here.)
So ask a lot of “who, what, where, when and why” questions. Try to spend the first five minutes of any conversation talking about the other person. You already know about yourself; you want to gather information and make friends with others. Besides, it’s very flattering. Someone who’s interested in others is invariably seen as someone worth knowing. (So tuck a few business cards in your pocket beforehand!)
Finally, Santa is welcome and appreciated at any gathering because he brings gifts. No, you don’t need to carry in a large red bag filled with personalized company pens or magnets. But before the party, think about who you’re likely to meet and what you can offer them.
Have you read a great book? Do you know what’s being built across the street? Did you discover a helpful new product or service? Then don’t be a Scrooge! Spread the news. Offer the information.
Better yet, do you have a personal connection to someone party attendees would like to meet? Then be prepared to offer their name and/or business card.
And when talk does turn to business, keep it light and keep it brief. If you have helpful ideas to pass on, or discover a connection you’d like to strengthen, ask for a business card and permission to call at work. Then steer the conversation back to more fun, personal topics. (Just remember to follow up afterwards!)
With preparation, you can enjoy meeting new people and reconnecting with old colleagues in mutually profitable ways. And you might just become as popular as Ol’ Saint Nick.
Holiday networking is less aggressive, slower-paced and more subtle. Think “market research” instead of “close the deal” and you’ll have the right mindset. Yes, making connections that lead to sales is still a primary reason for attending social functions, but around the holidays it’s less obvious. The social “dance” is longer.
So when preparing for your holiday party “performance,” practice the role of Santa instead of Scrooge, and you’ll do just fine.
How would Santa act at that lavish bash in your office building next week?
First, remember that Santa is friendly and approachable to EVERYONE. He’s not a snob or someone who’s solely focused on influential, powerful people. You’d do well to adopt that attitude yourself. You’ll enjoy yourself more, feel less stressed, and who knows? You may meet someone with unexpected influence or connections.
If you’re one of the many people who’d rather have teeth pulled than talk to strangers, rehearse a few “safe” opening lines. “So how do you know (the host/hostess)?” or “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” are non-threatening ways to begin a conversation, with the added benefit of allowing you to look for connections. And “How has your day been?” is much more likely to initiate small-talk than the usual “How are you?” (“Fine, thanks.”) exchange.
Second, Santa is a great listener who’s really focused on other people’s wants and needs and not his own. He invites confidences and listens more than he speaks. Can you imagine Santa thrusting his business card on someone he’s barely met? (I DO have one of his cards, by the way. See it here.)
So ask a lot of “who, what, where, when and why” questions. Try to spend the first five minutes of any conversation talking about the other person. You already know about yourself; you want to gather information and make friends with others. Besides, it’s very flattering. Someone who’s interested in others is invariably seen as someone worth knowing. (So tuck a few business cards in your pocket beforehand!)
Finally, Santa is welcome and appreciated at any gathering because he brings gifts. No, you don’t need to carry in a large red bag filled with personalized company pens or magnets. But before the party, think about who you’re likely to meet and what you can offer them.
Have you read a great book? Do you know what’s being built across the street? Did you discover a helpful new product or service? Then don’t be a Scrooge! Spread the news. Offer the information.
Better yet, do you have a personal connection to someone party attendees would like to meet? Then be prepared to offer their name and/or business card.
And when talk does turn to business, keep it light and keep it brief. If you have helpful ideas to pass on, or discover a connection you’d like to strengthen, ask for a business card and permission to call at work. Then steer the conversation back to more fun, personal topics. (Just remember to follow up afterwards!)
With preparation, you can enjoy meeting new people and reconnecting with old colleagues in mutually profitable ways. And you might just become as popular as Ol’ Saint Nick.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
True Love and Happiness Family
Family means warmness place to stay, happiness time to share, and understanding persons around you. It is also a base of society. If a child comes from the happy family, it is sure that he or she is going to be a good people in the country. Some families are small; maybe have only a couple of lovers. Some are big families; maybe have father, mother, suns, daughters or grand parents stay together.
The beginning of a family comes from love of a man and a woman, which design to spend the life together. Love is a descriptive word. The power of love can make everything miracle, you can do the thing that you never do before. Moreover the power of it makes you forgive someone with out any commitment. In the opposite way, hot or ardent love can damage anything neither. So it is hard to find true love and stay with someone for ever and ever. Before love somebody you have to learn each other for long time. This part is helping manual for you to know what the true love is and who truly love you.
1. He/she takes heed on you every time not only the early time of love beginning.
2. He/she will do everything that makes you feel happy although it will trouble or hardship to him/her.
3. He/she will beside and listens to you every time you need somebody.
4. He/she will forgive you although you make him/her disappointed.
5. He/she should be not gives you up whenever you have any problem or to be down on your luck.
6. He/she will understand what you think and should be share the opinions to the right way.
7. He/she will accepts everything that is yours; characteristic, habit, property or personality.
8. He/she should be persuades you to do the right or good thing and protest you when you go on misguided way.
9. He/she should be kind to your parents and your cousins.
10. He/she should be open heart and disclosed to you.
After you find the true love and get married with someone. It is sure that you and your lover will have a resent or angry in some days because nobody can not agree with you everything in ten or twenty years that live together. This part is helping manual for you to understand how to handle your love and stay with someone with the less offend.
1. You have to listen to him/her much before speaking.
2. You have to understand what his/her attitude before decisions everything.
3. You have to patient to the bad satiation, bad even or bad temperature that may crash to your family.
4. Trustfulness is the important base of family. You have to trust him/her.
5. Beside with him/her every time he/she need someone to understand.
6. Try to please him/her in everyday.
7. Do not forget the important day such as his/her birthday or anniversary and give him/her a special present.
8. Forgive him/her when he/she has mistake, try to explain and develop to the good habits.
9. Go outside together for dinner or picnic in some times for change the environment, join the activities and spare time together such as planting flowers and find a puppet to feed.
10. Although you stay with him/her for a long time but do not forget to add the sweetening agent everydays for your life by KISS and say "I LOVE YOU".
The beginning of a family comes from love of a man and a woman, which design to spend the life together. Love is a descriptive word. The power of love can make everything miracle, you can do the thing that you never do before. Moreover the power of it makes you forgive someone with out any commitment. In the opposite way, hot or ardent love can damage anything neither. So it is hard to find true love and stay with someone for ever and ever. Before love somebody you have to learn each other for long time. This part is helping manual for you to know what the true love is and who truly love you.
1. He/she takes heed on you every time not only the early time of love beginning.
2. He/she will do everything that makes you feel happy although it will trouble or hardship to him/her.
3. He/she will beside and listens to you every time you need somebody.
4. He/she will forgive you although you make him/her disappointed.
5. He/she should be not gives you up whenever you have any problem or to be down on your luck.
6. He/she will understand what you think and should be share the opinions to the right way.
7. He/she will accepts everything that is yours; characteristic, habit, property or personality.
8. He/she should be persuades you to do the right or good thing and protest you when you go on misguided way.
9. He/she should be kind to your parents and your cousins.
10. He/she should be open heart and disclosed to you.
After you find the true love and get married with someone. It is sure that you and your lover will have a resent or angry in some days because nobody can not agree with you everything in ten or twenty years that live together. This part is helping manual for you to understand how to handle your love and stay with someone with the less offend.
1. You have to listen to him/her much before speaking.
2. You have to understand what his/her attitude before decisions everything.
3. You have to patient to the bad satiation, bad even or bad temperature that may crash to your family.
4. Trustfulness is the important base of family. You have to trust him/her.
5. Beside with him/her every time he/she need someone to understand.
6. Try to please him/her in everyday.
7. Do not forget the important day such as his/her birthday or anniversary and give him/her a special present.
8. Forgive him/her when he/she has mistake, try to explain and develop to the good habits.
9. Go outside together for dinner or picnic in some times for change the environment, join the activities and spare time together such as planting flowers and find a puppet to feed.
10. Although you stay with him/her for a long time but do not forget to add the sweetening agent everydays for your life by KISS and say "I LOVE YOU".
Creating and Maintaining a Visually Stimulating Landscape
Creating an effective landscape is a significant task. However, landscaping is a continuous process that requires constant attention. Planting and setting a landscape makes your area look presentable, but maintaining the area furthers the quality of the landscape over time. There are several key points in maintaining the scenery that you have invested time and money in.
First and foremost, with the growing of your plants and shrubbery in your scenery comes the growing of weeds. There is a variety of options that you can pursue to minimize the amount of weeds in your setting. If your layout is small enough, hand pulling the weeds is an effective method for removal. Organic fertilizer is another option that can be looked at when reducing the amount of weeds in your landscape. Regular household vinegar or corn gluten meal contribute to weed control, and are not as harsh for the environment as chemical fertilizers.
In addition to reducing the amount of unwanted growth, another step in maintaining a scene is a process known as deadheading. This simply means that you should manually remove the flowers that are dead and worthless to the appearance of your landscape. The removal of these useless flowers not only adds to the overall appearance of the plant, but also provides an outlet for more flowering.
An effective landscape allows for continuous appeal. Unfortunately, some plants' lifespan will come to a close at the end of the season. This is the optimal time to replant or replace various types of plants.
Mulching your landscape will also benefit the overall effect of the piece. Fall is the best time to apply the new two inch layer of organic mulch. Too much mulch can be bad for the landscape, because it can block the oxygen barter between the air and the earth. Using mulch will serve a number of purposes; it will help in weed control as well as provide a temperature moderator when the plant needs it most.
One final piece of advice for maintaining a visually stimulating landscape is pruning. Pruning the various plants in the scenery maintains the overall appeal that viewers will have for the landscape. Organic fertilizers will allow your plants to grow in more of a controlled manor. This is not the case with a synthetic fertilizer. As a result, the organic mix will require less pruning, and consequently will require less work for you as the landscaper.
First and foremost, with the growing of your plants and shrubbery in your scenery comes the growing of weeds. There is a variety of options that you can pursue to minimize the amount of weeds in your setting. If your layout is small enough, hand pulling the weeds is an effective method for removal. Organic fertilizer is another option that can be looked at when reducing the amount of weeds in your landscape. Regular household vinegar or corn gluten meal contribute to weed control, and are not as harsh for the environment as chemical fertilizers.
In addition to reducing the amount of unwanted growth, another step in maintaining a scene is a process known as deadheading. This simply means that you should manually remove the flowers that are dead and worthless to the appearance of your landscape. The removal of these useless flowers not only adds to the overall appearance of the plant, but also provides an outlet for more flowering.
An effective landscape allows for continuous appeal. Unfortunately, some plants' lifespan will come to a close at the end of the season. This is the optimal time to replant or replace various types of plants.
Mulching your landscape will also benefit the overall effect of the piece. Fall is the best time to apply the new two inch layer of organic mulch. Too much mulch can be bad for the landscape, because it can block the oxygen barter between the air and the earth. Using mulch will serve a number of purposes; it will help in weed control as well as provide a temperature moderator when the plant needs it most.
One final piece of advice for maintaining a visually stimulating landscape is pruning. Pruning the various plants in the scenery maintains the overall appeal that viewers will have for the landscape. Organic fertilizers will allow your plants to grow in more of a controlled manor. This is not the case with a synthetic fertilizer. As a result, the organic mix will require less pruning, and consequently will require less work for you as the landscaper.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Buying Guide: Color Lasers for Small Offices
No matter how much you rely on e-mail and document files instead of paper, the inevitable fact of office life is that everyone needs to print. In most offices, small or large, that means printing a lot, which in turn means you need the speed you can get only from a laser printer.
When you think of lasers, you probably think of monochrome printers first, but it's getting harder to ignore color. With prices for color lasers coming down and starting at just $300, any small office can afford one—even a busy home office. And unlike early color lasers, today's printers don't cost more per page than monochrome lasers when printing in monochrome. Unless you literally never need color, color lasers are the preferred choice for a small office with only one printer.
When you're shopping for a laser, keep in mind that although some printers in the laser category technically aren't lasers, they perform just as well as laser printers. Instead of using a laser, such printers have a different light source—an LED—and are sometimes referred to as such. Either way, all you need to know is that they are essentially identical to lasers for all practical purposes.
As with any printer, speed is an important issue. Comparing speeds, however, isn't always easy. Some color lasers print all four toner colors in one pass. Others print one color at a time, meaning that they need four passes for each page when printing. Which printer will be faster in real-world use depends on what types of jobs you regularly print. If you print mostly monochrome pages, the four-pass printer will be swiftest overall. But if you print mostly in color, the single-pass printer will be faster.
Also, be sure to examine the paper-handling capabilities of any printer you're considering, including options you can add later if your needs grow. Of course, the less often you fill paper trays, the better. If your printing averages 50 sheets a day, a 250-sheet paper tray will hold enough for about a week. If you average more than that, you'll probably want a higher capacity. Also look for a multipurpose tray to let you load a second kind of paper, like letterhead or envelopes, without having to touch the main tray. You may also want to decide whether you need a duplexer, a feature that makes printing double-sided pages easy.
Finally, choosing a connection for the printer is simple but important. If only one person in your office needs to print, a USB connection—which any printer should offer—is just fine. For those who have a home or office network, however, and need to print from more than one computer, an Ethernet network connection is the best choice. And with today's installation routines, installing a printer to operate over a network is usually no harder than setting it up to run over a USB connection.
When you think of lasers, you probably think of monochrome printers first, but it's getting harder to ignore color. With prices for color lasers coming down and starting at just $300, any small office can afford one—even a busy home office. And unlike early color lasers, today's printers don't cost more per page than monochrome lasers when printing in monochrome. Unless you literally never need color, color lasers are the preferred choice for a small office with only one printer.
When you're shopping for a laser, keep in mind that although some printers in the laser category technically aren't lasers, they perform just as well as laser printers. Instead of using a laser, such printers have a different light source—an LED—and are sometimes referred to as such. Either way, all you need to know is that they are essentially identical to lasers for all practical purposes.
As with any printer, speed is an important issue. Comparing speeds, however, isn't always easy. Some color lasers print all four toner colors in one pass. Others print one color at a time, meaning that they need four passes for each page when printing. Which printer will be faster in real-world use depends on what types of jobs you regularly print. If you print mostly monochrome pages, the four-pass printer will be swiftest overall. But if you print mostly in color, the single-pass printer will be faster.
Also, be sure to examine the paper-handling capabilities of any printer you're considering, including options you can add later if your needs grow. Of course, the less often you fill paper trays, the better. If your printing averages 50 sheets a day, a 250-sheet paper tray will hold enough for about a week. If you average more than that, you'll probably want a higher capacity. Also look for a multipurpose tray to let you load a second kind of paper, like letterhead or envelopes, without having to touch the main tray. You may also want to decide whether you need a duplexer, a feature that makes printing double-sided pages easy.
Finally, choosing a connection for the printer is simple but important. If only one person in your office needs to print, a USB connection—which any printer should offer—is just fine. For those who have a home or office network, however, and need to print from more than one computer, an Ethernet network connection is the best choice. And with today's installation routines, installing a printer to operate over a network is usually no harder than setting it up to run over a USB connection.
Buying Guide: Network-Attached Storage
Small business that have mission-critical data or home users who download a lot of MP3 files, shoot and save digital photos, or edit videos need to understand what a network-attached storage (NAS) device is. Eventually, anyone who keeps a large amount of important data starts thinking about repositories less vulnerable than PC hard drives, and that means something external. Often the best, most cost-effective solution is a NAS. So what is it, why do you need one, and how do you buy and use it?
A NAS isn't simply an external hard drive. It's a computer, with an OS and one or more hard drives, that's dedicated to storage tasks and can connect to a network. Most communicate over wired Ethernet, but some, such as the Iomega StorCenter, can do so wirelessly. The OS, generally just a Linux or Windows kernel, handles volume and drive management, networking, security, and user access. It often has extended features, such as backup capability. The functions are usually managed through a Web-based graphical user interface.
For a small business, centralizing data on a NAS is a good management practice. If information isn't dispersed on separate PCs, accessing it is simpler, as is managing security. And when storage needs increase for one or more employees, maintaining a single device is far easier than adding and managing locally attached external drives, putting a new server online, or installing drives in existing servers. In addition, prices have dropped: A 1TB NAS costs well below $1,000.
Selecting a NAS for your home or small business isn't rocket science, but there are a few important basics to keep in mind. Stay away from single-drive solutions—especially for business applications. If your one-drive device's drive dies, not only do you lose all your data, but employees who depend on it are sidelined. You want something that supports at least two drives in a configuration called RAID 1, which mirrors data—keeps the same information on different drives to preserve it if one crashes. Also, check that you can easily remove the drives from the front or back—the best cases have slide-out trays and allow for a tool-less exchange of drives.
If multiple users share data, make sure the NAS has share-level and user-level security and lets you assign users read-only access, not just full privileges and none. For organizations with more than ten users, look for a system that lets you change permissions for groups, so you can easily make changes for multiple users. A NAS with good access-rights management can be a good alternative to a file server in the home and in a small business. It can also be useful for a home office that shares space with home users. If you have remote offices or several small workgroups, you want an appliance that can double as print and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) servers. Many devices in this guide can.
After these considerations, for entry-level devices, choose based on price, capacity, and physical size, not performance (it's not significantly different among products at this level). The Linksys EtherFast Network Attached Storage EFG250, for example, offers a good combination of the three. Buffalo and Infrant Technologies make units with greater capacity and even more features.
Businesses that have 25 to 100 employees or bigger storage needs will find several boxes in the $2,500 to $5,000 range that offer robust data protection, flexible RAID options, and more advanced backup and restore capabilities. Some good examples are the Adaptec Snap Server 4200 and the Aberdeen AberNAS 211, which hold up to eight drives and let you replace failed drives in RAID configurations on the fly. The units are rack-mountable and rugged, and they include server-class processors and more memory. They also provide detailed logging and reporting tools, as well as antivirus and versioning software and flexible backup. Many of these products handle online archiving and backup of content stored on file servers.
A NAS isn't simply an external hard drive. It's a computer, with an OS and one or more hard drives, that's dedicated to storage tasks and can connect to a network. Most communicate over wired Ethernet, but some, such as the Iomega StorCenter, can do so wirelessly. The OS, generally just a Linux or Windows kernel, handles volume and drive management, networking, security, and user access. It often has extended features, such as backup capability. The functions are usually managed through a Web-based graphical user interface.
For a small business, centralizing data on a NAS is a good management practice. If information isn't dispersed on separate PCs, accessing it is simpler, as is managing security. And when storage needs increase for one or more employees, maintaining a single device is far easier than adding and managing locally attached external drives, putting a new server online, or installing drives in existing servers. In addition, prices have dropped: A 1TB NAS costs well below $1,000.
Selecting a NAS for your home or small business isn't rocket science, but there are a few important basics to keep in mind. Stay away from single-drive solutions—especially for business applications. If your one-drive device's drive dies, not only do you lose all your data, but employees who depend on it are sidelined. You want something that supports at least two drives in a configuration called RAID 1, which mirrors data—keeps the same information on different drives to preserve it if one crashes. Also, check that you can easily remove the drives from the front or back—the best cases have slide-out trays and allow for a tool-less exchange of drives.
If multiple users share data, make sure the NAS has share-level and user-level security and lets you assign users read-only access, not just full privileges and none. For organizations with more than ten users, look for a system that lets you change permissions for groups, so you can easily make changes for multiple users. A NAS with good access-rights management can be a good alternative to a file server in the home and in a small business. It can also be useful for a home office that shares space with home users. If you have remote offices or several small workgroups, you want an appliance that can double as print and FTP (File Transfer Protocol) servers. Many devices in this guide can.
After these considerations, for entry-level devices, choose based on price, capacity, and physical size, not performance (it's not significantly different among products at this level). The Linksys EtherFast Network Attached Storage EFG250, for example, offers a good combination of the three. Buffalo and Infrant Technologies make units with greater capacity and even more features.
Businesses that have 25 to 100 employees or bigger storage needs will find several boxes in the $2,500 to $5,000 range that offer robust data protection, flexible RAID options, and more advanced backup and restore capabilities. Some good examples are the Adaptec Snap Server 4200 and the Aberdeen AberNAS 211, which hold up to eight drives and let you replace failed drives in RAID configurations on the fly. The units are rack-mountable and rugged, and they include server-class processors and more memory. They also provide detailed logging and reporting tools, as well as antivirus and versioning software and flexible backup. Many of these products handle online archiving and backup of content stored on file servers.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
USA Small Business Start up Success
1. U.S. Small Business Association
http://www.sba.gov
Maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.
2. SOHO America
http://www.soho.org/
Find Out How SOHO Online can help you manage the challenges of working in a small office/home office environment. SOHO is for SME, small business, home office, small office, business events, conferences, networking, seminars, presentations, keynotes, event planning, and membership.
3. Internet Retailer
http://www.internetretailer.com/
Site complete with Internet Retail news, resources, experts and upcoming events in several areas and industries.
A second important area is marketing and PR. A few good online resources follow:
Logoworks
Quality logos give your business an immediate air of professionalism. Even if your business is new or less established, a customer will often give the benefit of doubt to a company that looks professional. Every business eventually competes with others. A unique and professional logo will help your customers distinguish your products and services and help them remember who you are.
Publicity Hound
Joan Stewart, publicity resource expert for small business and people that need advice with publicity design and background with seminars in U.S.A. available.
Meetup
Expanding your network. There are opportunities now to expand you current local business network to include partnerships in other cities or gain access to similar experts in your field without having to go there.
Google Adwords
Online Marketing. Numerous online marketing programs such as video, radio, banner and one of the best, pay per click. Pay per click has changed the advertising world and so has the fact that more consumers search for product information online and generations have grown up with Internet technology.
http://www.sba.gov
Maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting and protecting the interests of small businesses and by helping families and businesses recover from national disasters.
2. SOHO America
http://www.soho.org/
Find Out How SOHO Online can help you manage the challenges of working in a small office/home office environment. SOHO is for SME, small business, home office, small office, business events, conferences, networking, seminars, presentations, keynotes, event planning, and membership.
3. Internet Retailer
http://www.internetretailer.com/
Site complete with Internet Retail news, resources, experts and upcoming events in several areas and industries.
A second important area is marketing and PR. A few good online resources follow:
Logoworks
Quality logos give your business an immediate air of professionalism. Even if your business is new or less established, a customer will often give the benefit of doubt to a company that looks professional. Every business eventually competes with others. A unique and professional logo will help your customers distinguish your products and services and help them remember who you are.
Publicity Hound
Joan Stewart, publicity resource expert for small business and people that need advice with publicity design and background with seminars in U.S.A. available.
Meetup
Expanding your network. There are opportunities now to expand you current local business network to include partnerships in other cities or gain access to similar experts in your field without having to go there.
Google Adwords
Online Marketing. Numerous online marketing programs such as video, radio, banner and one of the best, pay per click. Pay per click has changed the advertising world and so has the fact that more consumers search for product information online and generations have grown up with Internet technology.
Differences In A Home Based Network Marketing Business From A Traditional Business
A home based network marketing business is the perfect business to start if you are looking for a way to make extra money from the comfort of your own home. The beauty of starting a network marketing business and running it at home is all of the savings you will enjoy over a traditional business. Here are a few big differences a network marketing business offers in the way of saving over the brick and mortar business.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
In conlcusion although there are many more differences between a home based business and a traditional business when you combine your network marketing business with a home based business you have a great way you can make extra money.
1. No outside office space to rent. Work in the comfort of your own home. You don't even need an office. Just a place for your computer and phone. Renting office space is not cheap. And you wont's have to spend time meeting with property managers finding the right location. The right location for your home based business is wherever you want it in your home.
2. No warehouse space. Most network marketing products are ordered and direct shipped from the factory warehouse. In the old days of network marketing businesses people would stock products in their basement or garages. Not anymore. All orders can be direct shipped and you never ever handle the product.
3. No sales people needed. With a network marketing business you get paid on the sales of your downline without actually hiring them as employees. You are paid in residual income to help train them to run their own business. Thanks to the internet and conference calls anyone can do that regardless of their current experience.
4. No office staff needed. All orders can be done via a 1-800 or your company provided website. As more and more people get comfortable ordering online you just refer them to your website to make a sale or recruit them as a distributor.
5.. No special equipment to buy. All you need is a computer and a phone. You don't even need to set up a separate phone line for business. Running a home based business allows you to use what you already have.
A network marketing home based business is going require you to work hard to develop retail customers and a network of distributors doing the same. You make money on your sales and the sales of your group.The beauty of this is called duplication. By helping people set up their own home based network marketing business you are able to accomplish more than if you had to do all of the work yourself or if you had to hire employees.
In conlcusion although there are many more differences between a home based business and a traditional business when you combine your network marketing business with a home based business you have a great way you can make extra money.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
How To Set Up a Wireless Network
How To set up a Wireless Network
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
VPN Remote Access To Your Workplace
One of the biggest selling points to our small business customers is the ability to access their workplace computers and network from home. Who doesn't love the idea of working from home. Why drive to work when you can accomplish a majority of your tasks from your living room. The two common methods of accomplishing this is: VPN (Virtual Private Network) and Terminal Services.
VPN connects you to your office network as if you were physically in your office. There is a little bit of configuration involved. First, at the remote computer (usually the workplace computer) you need to enable incoming VPN connections. For this example we are going to be using Windows XP Professional. Right click "My Network Places" -> Left click "Properties" -> click "Create New Connection" -> select "Setup Advanced Connection" -> select "Accept Incoming Connections" -> click next twice -> select "Allow Virtual Private Connections" -> select a user from that computer that you want to use as the login info (user must have a password) -> click next and make sure "TCP/IP" is highlighted click next and you are done. If your remote computer is behind a router/firewall then you must configure port forwarding to the remote computer. Port forwarding is an article in itself, but basically you must open port 1723 to the remote computer.
Now for your home computer: Right click "My Network Places" -> left click "Properties" -> click "Create New Connection" -> select "Connect To The Network At My Workplace" -> select "Virtual Private Network Connection" -> fill in any name -> for host name or IP you must enter in the public IP address of your office.
VPN connects you to your office network as if you were physically in your office. There is a little bit of configuration involved. First, at the remote computer (usually the workplace computer) you need to enable incoming VPN connections. For this example we are going to be using Windows XP Professional. Right click "My Network Places" -> Left click "Properties" -> click "Create New Connection" -> select "Setup Advanced Connection" -> select "Accept Incoming Connections" -> click next twice -> select "Allow Virtual Private Connections" -> select a user from that computer that you want to use as the login info (user must have a password) -> click next and make sure "TCP/IP" is highlighted click next and you are done. If your remote computer is behind a router/firewall then you must configure port forwarding to the remote computer. Port forwarding is an article in itself, but basically you must open port 1723 to the remote computer.
Now for your home computer: Right click "My Network Places" -> left click "Properties" -> click "Create New Connection" -> select "Connect To The Network At My Workplace" -> select "Virtual Private Network Connection" -> fill in any name -> for host name or IP you must enter in the public IP address of your office.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Sharing an Internet Connection over a Wi-Fi Network
Once you've got your wireless network set up, I've no doubt that one of the first things you'll want to do with it is share an Internet connection -- after all, that's why most home users put in a wireless network to begin with. Well, the good news is that Windows has Internet Connection Sharing built in. The bad news is that setting it up can sometimes be a little less than fun.
The problem is that the Internet Connection Sharing Wizards that come with Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Me don't work very well, and in some cases, can break your existing Internet Connection. The good news is that it's not that hard to set up, as long as you do it properly.
How Internet Connection Sharing Works
When you set up Internet Connection Sharing, you set up one of your computers as a 'gateway' to the Internet, and then use this gateway to access the Internet with your other computers. Essentially, requests for data from the Internet are being sent out through the gateway, and the responses are being sent back across the network ('routed') back to your computer. The gateway computer is still the only one that's directly connected to the Internet.
If you have trouble visualising what's happening, imagine for a second that the computers are people. Let's call the computer-people Bob, Fred and Alice. They're all in a bar together, but Bob is the only one with money for drinks (we could say he has a 'connection' to the bar). Fred and Alice can ask Bob to buy them a drink, and Bob can bring over the drinks, for them to have as they usually would. At no point, however, can Fred or Alice go and order a drink at the bar.
Setting It Up: The Gateway
Note: this guide assumes that you have already set up your wireless network, but you have not connected it to the Internet yet.
The computer with the modem connected to it is the one you need to set up first -- as the gateway, it's going to be providing Internet access to all your other computers. On this computer, go to the Control Panel, then click Network Connections. From here, you can run the Network Setup Wizard by clicking 'Set up a home or small office network'.
Click next through the wizard until you get to a screen called 'Select a connection method'. On this screen you need to select 'This computer connects directly to the Internet. The other computers on my network connect to the Internet through this computer'. From here on, you should be able to click next again until you get to the finish. Say 'yes' to turn on file and printer sharing when you're prompted.
Your computer is now ready to be a gateway to the Internet.
The Network
The next step is setting up the other computers on your network to make use of the gateway you just created. Run the Network Setup Wizard on each of these computers, but this time through choose 'This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway'.
If the computer that will now be using a shared Internet connection was using a dial-up connection before, then there are a few things left to do -- you need to change some settings in the web browser Open Internet Explorer, then go to the Options screen (in the Tools menu). Click the Connections tab. You should click 'never dial a connection', and untick three boxes: 'automatically detect settings', 'use automatic configuration script' and 'use a proxy server'.
The Trouble With Internet Connection Sharing
To go back to our bar for a moment, imagine Bob leaves. Oh dear. Looks like Fred and Alice can't get any more drinks, doesn't it? The same thing applies to the computers on your network -- if the gateway computer is switched off, they will lose all their access to the Internet.
That's not the only problem, though. While Internet Connection Sharing works fine for the web and email, it can be more problematic when it comes to doing other things. Downloading files from filesharing networks, for example, or using videoconferencing, requires you to mess around with the gateway computer's settings. After a while, it can get quite frustrating. If you're in this position, you should really try a wireless router -- see our article 'Create Always-On Networks with a Wireless Router'.
The problem is that the Internet Connection Sharing Wizards that come with Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows Me don't work very well, and in some cases, can break your existing Internet Connection. The good news is that it's not that hard to set up, as long as you do it properly.
How Internet Connection Sharing Works
When you set up Internet Connection Sharing, you set up one of your computers as a 'gateway' to the Internet, and then use this gateway to access the Internet with your other computers. Essentially, requests for data from the Internet are being sent out through the gateway, and the responses are being sent back across the network ('routed') back to your computer. The gateway computer is still the only one that's directly connected to the Internet.
If you have trouble visualising what's happening, imagine for a second that the computers are people. Let's call the computer-people Bob, Fred and Alice. They're all in a bar together, but Bob is the only one with money for drinks (we could say he has a 'connection' to the bar). Fred and Alice can ask Bob to buy them a drink, and Bob can bring over the drinks, for them to have as they usually would. At no point, however, can Fred or Alice go and order a drink at the bar.
Setting It Up: The Gateway
Note: this guide assumes that you have already set up your wireless network, but you have not connected it to the Internet yet.
The computer with the modem connected to it is the one you need to set up first -- as the gateway, it's going to be providing Internet access to all your other computers. On this computer, go to the Control Panel, then click Network Connections. From here, you can run the Network Setup Wizard by clicking 'Set up a home or small office network'.
Click next through the wizard until you get to a screen called 'Select a connection method'. On this screen you need to select 'This computer connects directly to the Internet. The other computers on my network connect to the Internet through this computer'. From here on, you should be able to click next again until you get to the finish. Say 'yes' to turn on file and printer sharing when you're prompted.
Your computer is now ready to be a gateway to the Internet.
The Network
The next step is setting up the other computers on your network to make use of the gateway you just created. Run the Network Setup Wizard on each of these computers, but this time through choose 'This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my network or through a residential gateway'.
If the computer that will now be using a shared Internet connection was using a dial-up connection before, then there are a few things left to do -- you need to change some settings in the web browser Open Internet Explorer, then go to the Options screen (in the Tools menu). Click the Connections tab. You should click 'never dial a connection', and untick three boxes: 'automatically detect settings', 'use automatic configuration script' and 'use a proxy server'.
The Trouble With Internet Connection Sharing
To go back to our bar for a moment, imagine Bob leaves. Oh dear. Looks like Fred and Alice can't get any more drinks, doesn't it? The same thing applies to the computers on your network -- if the gateway computer is switched off, they will lose all their access to the Internet.
That's not the only problem, though. While Internet Connection Sharing works fine for the web and email, it can be more problematic when it comes to doing other things. Downloading files from filesharing networks, for example, or using videoconferencing, requires you to mess around with the gateway computer's settings. After a while, it can get quite frustrating. If you're in this position, you should really try a wireless router -- see our article 'Create Always-On Networks with a Wireless Router'.
Set Up A Wireless Network And Unchain Yourself From Your Desk
You no longer have to go to Starbucks to enjoy wireless Internet connections. That's right, you can enjoy your coffee from the privacy of your home and access the Internet. Wireless Internet has come home as well, and Internet connections can now be shared among family members without stringing wires through the living room. On the negative side, however, setting this up can be quite a chore.
With a wireless network, not only can you share Internet connectivity, but you can share files. You can put a file on a shared drive, and then anyone on any computer in your house can access it.
Additionally, you can share a printer. You can literally press "print" while working on your laptop in the bedroom, and the printer in your office will start spewing out your latest reports.
To start out with, you need a gateway the Internet. Any computer can serve as your gateway. This system must be directly plugged into the Internet in order for other users to be truly wireless. Thus one computer is stationary, you cannot move it.
To connect your wireless systems to the Internet, set up your gateway. Click on the Start menu and scroll up to the Control Panel. Then double click the Network Connections icon. At this point you can run through the series of steps in the Network Set up Wizard. Make sure to select "set up a home or small office network."
Continue moving through the wizard until you reach the "select a connection method" page. You will need to select the option that states that your computer is directly connected to the Internet. Keep moving through the steps until you arrive on the final page with your reward: the finish button.
At this point you only have one computer hooked up to the Internet, and you can't move it around the house. To gain mobility, you will need to go through the same steps with each of your other computers, only this time, you should select the option that states you're your computer is connected to the Internet through a network and not directly connected to the Internet.
Unfortunately this sort of network does have a downside: the wireless connection relies on the gateway. When you turn your gateway off, the rest of your systems drop their Internet connection too. You might also want to consider purchasing a wireless router. Check out our article configure a network that always stays on.
Overall a wireless connection offers the freedom that no other Internet service does. You can even sit outside your home within a reasonable distance and access the Internet. Imagine that: shopping online from your deck. You could work from the kitchen, the bedroom, and even the bathroom. And while no one wants to become a workaholic, some people need the variety of setting to stay productive. So take the necessary steps to get hooked up and go wireless today.
With a wireless network, not only can you share Internet connectivity, but you can share files. You can put a file on a shared drive, and then anyone on any computer in your house can access it.
Additionally, you can share a printer. You can literally press "print" while working on your laptop in the bedroom, and the printer in your office will start spewing out your latest reports.
To start out with, you need a gateway the Internet. Any computer can serve as your gateway. This system must be directly plugged into the Internet in order for other users to be truly wireless. Thus one computer is stationary, you cannot move it.
To connect your wireless systems to the Internet, set up your gateway. Click on the Start menu and scroll up to the Control Panel. Then double click the Network Connections icon. At this point you can run through the series of steps in the Network Set up Wizard. Make sure to select "set up a home or small office network."
Continue moving through the wizard until you reach the "select a connection method" page. You will need to select the option that states that your computer is directly connected to the Internet. Keep moving through the steps until you arrive on the final page with your reward: the finish button.
At this point you only have one computer hooked up to the Internet, and you can't move it around the house. To gain mobility, you will need to go through the same steps with each of your other computers, only this time, you should select the option that states you're your computer is connected to the Internet through a network and not directly connected to the Internet.
Unfortunately this sort of network does have a downside: the wireless connection relies on the gateway. When you turn your gateway off, the rest of your systems drop their Internet connection too. You might also want to consider purchasing a wireless router. Check out our article configure a network that always stays on.
Overall a wireless connection offers the freedom that no other Internet service does. You can even sit outside your home within a reasonable distance and access the Internet. Imagine that: shopping online from your deck. You could work from the kitchen, the bedroom, and even the bathroom. And while no one wants to become a workaholic, some people need the variety of setting to stay productive. So take the necessary steps to get hooked up and go wireless today.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Setting up a Network -- Wired or Wireless?
To Wire or Not to Wire
Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won’t be successful unless you chose the right type of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that each computer be connected via a wire to a central location, called a switch or hub. This often involves installing cables through walls and ceilings and can present a challenge for anyone.
If the computers in your home or office are all within 500 feet of each other, a wireless network might be for you. A wireless network has no cables. It can connect computers on different floors of a building or even across the street. Aside from the obvious benefit of not having wires, wireless networks are more convenient since the setup, configuration, and reconfiguration can often be done within minutes, without extensive planning.
Wireless networks, however, are not as fast as wired networks. If you play computer games or want to view streaming video or other high-speed multimedia, a wireless network might not have enough capacity. But, if you just want to check e-mail and view web pages, a wireless network is a good choice. To install a wireless network, you need a Wireless Access Point and a wireless network card for each computer. You will need to buy a wireless network card for each desktop computer, although most newer laptops come equipped with one.
Security is not a large concern in a wired network, since someone would have to physically connect to a wired network to break in. In wireless networks, a car parked outside with a laptop could easily connect to your network if you don’t have proper security in place. To prevent this from happening, encrypt your wireless network connections, or set a password to access the network, or do both.
Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?
If you decide to use a wired network, consider whether you will install it yourself or hire a professional. If you have a small number of computers that are all situated very close to one another, you may be able to buy pre-assembled network cables and connect them yourself. If you need to wire multiple floors and lay wire through ceilings and walls, you need a professional installation. If you go this route, it is best to begin with a floor plan of your office or home, determine what your current needs are, and consider how the network design can be adapted to future needs. A professional installer should be familiar with EIA/TIA standards, local wiring and electrical codes, and making custom cables. Network cabling professionals are often judged by the neatness of their work, because sloppy cabling is more apt to deteriorate over time, harder to manage, and poses more of a fire risk.
Having a wireless network or a wired network is not mutually exclusive. Many small offices have a wired network in addition to one or more wireless networks, depending on their needs. Wireless networks are continuing to get faster, more secure, and less expensive. Wired networks will continue to coexist with wireless networks, often in the same homes and offices.
Wireless networks are en vogue, but your installation won’t be successful unless you chose the right type of network and set it up properly. Wired networks require that each computer be connected via a wire to a central location, called a switch or hub. This often involves installing cables through walls and ceilings and can present a challenge for anyone.
If the computers in your home or office are all within 500 feet of each other, a wireless network might be for you. A wireless network has no cables. It can connect computers on different floors of a building or even across the street. Aside from the obvious benefit of not having wires, wireless networks are more convenient since the setup, configuration, and reconfiguration can often be done within minutes, without extensive planning.
Wireless networks, however, are not as fast as wired networks. If you play computer games or want to view streaming video or other high-speed multimedia, a wireless network might not have enough capacity. But, if you just want to check e-mail and view web pages, a wireless network is a good choice. To install a wireless network, you need a Wireless Access Point and a wireless network card for each computer. You will need to buy a wireless network card for each desktop computer, although most newer laptops come equipped with one.
Security is not a large concern in a wired network, since someone would have to physically connect to a wired network to break in. In wireless networks, a car parked outside with a laptop could easily connect to your network if you don’t have proper security in place. To prevent this from happening, encrypt your wireless network connections, or set a password to access the network, or do both.
Do It Yourself or Call a Professional?
If you decide to use a wired network, consider whether you will install it yourself or hire a professional. If you have a small number of computers that are all situated very close to one another, you may be able to buy pre-assembled network cables and connect them yourself. If you need to wire multiple floors and lay wire through ceilings and walls, you need a professional installation. If you go this route, it is best to begin with a floor plan of your office or home, determine what your current needs are, and consider how the network design can be adapted to future needs. A professional installer should be familiar with EIA/TIA standards, local wiring and electrical codes, and making custom cables. Network cabling professionals are often judged by the neatness of their work, because sloppy cabling is more apt to deteriorate over time, harder to manage, and poses more of a fire risk.
Having a wireless network or a wired network is not mutually exclusive. Many small offices have a wired network in addition to one or more wireless networks, depending on their needs. Wireless networks are continuing to get faster, more secure, and less expensive. Wired networks will continue to coexist with wireless networks, often in the same homes and offices.
Wireless Network Problems
As you move your office into the modern age, with more and more electronic devices proving essential to the system, you'll be anxious to get rid of all those messy cables getting in everyone's way. The most common solution to this is to switch to a wireless network. Problems can arise, however, when people expect to be able to treat a wireless network the same way as they treated their old one.
Wireless network problems are now out in the open, a sufficiently common subject in the technical media that providers have stopped pretending it's trouble-free to switch to a wireless network. Problems with device compatibility, information transfer speed and security are all common complaints. It's easy enough to work around most wireless network problems, but only if you know what you're doing. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of online resources dedicated to helping you solve your wireless network problems.
Unique wireless network problems include incompatibility between different pieces of electronic office equipment. These are especially common if you're trying to run devices made by different manufacturers on the same wireless network. Problems arise because these devices use different communication protocols. You can usually work around these wireless network problems by routing communications through other devices, but this may cost you money.
Even when everything is communicating smoothly on your wireless network, problems can arise with the speed of data transfer. To put it simply, you cannot expect data to travel as quickly across a wireless network as they would across a wired one. For most office communications, they'll still travel fast enough, so that you won't notice any real difference with your wireless network. Problems are only likely to crop up if you're trying to transmit big files such as streaming video.
The most notorious wireless network problems are problems with security. Because it is open, anybody can try to hack in to a wireless network. Problems of this sort, however, are only a serious risk if you fail to install appropriate security software such as a good firewall. This is the sort of thing you should be providing for your office network anyway, regardless of specific wireless network problems.
Wireless network problems are now out in the open, a sufficiently common subject in the technical media that providers have stopped pretending it's trouble-free to switch to a wireless network. Problems with device compatibility, information transfer speed and security are all common complaints. It's easy enough to work around most wireless network problems, but only if you know what you're doing. Fortunately, there are an increasing number of online resources dedicated to helping you solve your wireless network problems.
Unique wireless network problems include incompatibility between different pieces of electronic office equipment. These are especially common if you're trying to run devices made by different manufacturers on the same wireless network. Problems arise because these devices use different communication protocols. You can usually work around these wireless network problems by routing communications through other devices, but this may cost you money.
Even when everything is communicating smoothly on your wireless network, problems can arise with the speed of data transfer. To put it simply, you cannot expect data to travel as quickly across a wireless network as they would across a wired one. For most office communications, they'll still travel fast enough, so that you won't notice any real difference with your wireless network. Problems are only likely to crop up if you're trying to transmit big files such as streaming video.
The most notorious wireless network problems are problems with security. Because it is open, anybody can try to hack in to a wireless network. Problems of this sort, however, are only a serious risk if you fail to install appropriate security software such as a good firewall. This is the sort of thing you should be providing for your office network anyway, regardless of specific wireless network problems.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Is Your Wireless Network a Home Security Breach?
Wireless networks for home computers are becoming more and more popular but do you know how to protect your Wi-Fi network?
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
A recent survey from www.wi-fi.org shows that protecting your wireless network has become one of the top three issues in home security. According to the survey the top three concerns about home security was:
* Locking windows and doors
* Installing a home alarm system
* Securing your wireless network.
More than 40 percent of the survey respondents felt that a protected Wi-Fi network was an important part of creating a safe home.
Is your neighbor using your Wi-Fi network?
Did you know that 17 percent of Americans thinks it's ok to use someone else's network. The wast majority thinks using your neighbor's Wi-Fi is like stealing. They don't like their neighbors borrowing their signal without their knowledge.
Most new laptop computers have access to Wi-Fi networks as a standard feature. Try taking your laptop for a drive in the neighborhood and you'll probably discover that your computer can connect to several networks - especially if you live in the city. Some "Wi-Fi snatchers" even put small graffitti marks on walls indicating where your can find an open network.
Only seven out of 10 respondents in the survey had activated their Wi-Fi network security - that leaves 30% of networks wide open. Securing you network does require a little technical knowledge, but most systems come with an easy step-by-step guide for setting up the network security. When you have secured your network you can really enjoy the freedom of Wi-Fi without worrying about bandwidth theft.
Have you checked if your Wi-Fi network is secure?
Can you take your laptop computer across the street and still access your home network? Does using your network require you to logon to the network? If not your network is probably wide open so everyone in the neighborhood can use your network. Maybe it's time to find the manual to your system and start doing something about your Wi-Fi security before someone starts stealing your bandwidth or worse - gets access to you computer.
Office Printing Solutions
Every office has different needs when it comes to their printing solutions. Most companies will grow from a home based business into a larger office will require a change in their printing solutions. It doesn't make sense for a business to have several small ink-jet printers running all at the same time each serving as individual employee. Ink-jet printers are notoriously expensive to maintain and can only serve one or two people at a time without causing a huge backlog of print jobs. A larger office should have a singular large format laser-jet printer that will process jobs more quickly and more efficiently than smaller individual printers can. In the long run this will be much better for your business as it will lower many of the costs your business will incur. Converting from individual printers to one central unit will require several things and you should be aware of them before moving forward with this process.
Your office will have to establish a network of some sort for all the machines in your office to print to a single machine. This could mean bringing in a computer expert to establish your network, or simply setting it up yourself. Setting up a network for your office is really quite simple and can be done in any office outfitted for DSL, which most already are. All you will need to do is to route the DSL through one central router and out to the individual machines and setup the central printer either through your router or one of the computer's on the network that can grant access to all the computer's on the network.
Once you have a network in place you should do plenty of research before purchasing the printer you are going to place on your office network. There are plenty of models out on the market from companies like Brother, Hewlett Packard, Epson and Lexmark. You should choose a machine that gives you the options you need and has the print capacity that fits your company.
Your office will have to establish a network of some sort for all the machines in your office to print to a single machine. This could mean bringing in a computer expert to establish your network, or simply setting it up yourself. Setting up a network for your office is really quite simple and can be done in any office outfitted for DSL, which most already are. All you will need to do is to route the DSL through one central router and out to the individual machines and setup the central printer either through your router or one of the computer's on the network that can grant access to all the computer's on the network.
Once you have a network in place you should do plenty of research before purchasing the printer you are going to place on your office network. There are plenty of models out on the market from companies like Brother, Hewlett Packard, Epson and Lexmark. You should choose a machine that gives you the options you need and has the print capacity that fits your company.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Virtual Private Network and Network Connections
* Network
In information technology, a network is a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths.
Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain subnetworks.
* Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link.
Typically, connected devices share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building).
Usually, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by multiple computer users.
A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for example, in a home network) or as many as thousands of users (for example, in an FDDI network). See also: WAN and MAN
* Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network.
The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN).
A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks.
An intermediate form of network in terms of geography is a metropolitan area network (MAN).
* Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN).
The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network).
It is also used to mean the interconnection of several local area networks by bridging them with backbone lines.
The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.
* Network Backbone
A backbone is a larger transmission line that carries data gathered from smaller lines that interconnect with it.
* Nodes
In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions.
In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.
In information technology, a network is a series of points or nodes interconnected by communication paths.
Networks can interconnect with other networks and contain subnetworks.
* Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated devices that share a common communications line or wireless link.
Typically, connected devices share the resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for example, within an office building).
Usually, the server has applications and data storage that are shared in common by multiple computer users.
A local area network may serve as few as two or three users (for example, in a home network) or as many as thousands of users (for example, in an FDDI network). See also: WAN and MAN
* Wide Area Network (WAN)
A wide area network (WAN) is a geographically dispersed telecommunications network.
The term distinguishes a broader telecommunication structure from a local area network (LAN).
A wide area network may be privately owned or rented, but the term usually connotes the inclusion of public (shared user) networks.
An intermediate form of network in terms of geography is a metropolitan area network (MAN).
* Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by a wide area network (WAN).
The term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a city into a single larger network (which may then also offer efficient connection to a wide area network).
It is also used to mean the interconnection of several local area networks by bridging them with backbone lines.
The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a campus network.
* Network Backbone
A backbone is a larger transmission line that carries data gathered from smaller lines that interconnect with it.
* Nodes
In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for data transmissions.
In general, a node has programmed or engineered capability to recognize and process or forward transmissions to other nodes.
How To Set Up a Wireless Network
How To set up a Wireless Network
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
This article is aimed at helping you to set up a wireless network in your home. We will assume you already have a broadband connection to a modem which connects directly to your computer.
Equipment Required
1. A Wireless Router
2. A Wireless PCI Card for any desktop PC's
3. A PCMCIA wireless card for any notebook computers you have
Setting Up the Wireless Network
Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
Congratulations you have now successfully set up a wireless network.
There are extra peripherals that you can install such as a wireless adapter for your sound system to stream music off your computer through your television. Setting Up the Wireless Network Step 1...Set up the router
It is always best to have one computer on the network hard wired into the router. This is because if the security settings are lost you always have one computer that will allow you access to the router and recover them. To set up the router unplug the modem from its power and turn off the computer. Plug the modem directly into the router with Ethernet cable into the WAN port. Then plug the router directly to your Desktop PC via the LAN port. Plug in the modem and allow it to return to the status ready. Plug the power into the router and turn it on. Turn on the computer and let it boot into windows. Take the setup CD and place it into the Desktop machine and run the setup wizard. Change the administrators default password to one you will know as hackers tend to know the default passwords. Change the SSID of the network (network name) hackers also know the default SSID and can use it to gain access to your network. Refer to the printed guide with your router and set up WEP/WPA encryption to provide security on the network.
IMPORTANT: Write down the key that the router produces you will need this to gain access to your network from other machines.
Step2...Adding other computers to the network
To add a desktop PC unplug the computer and install the PCI card into the machine. Turn the computer on after you have installed the wireless card. Insert the CD and run the setup program to install the drivers for the wireless card. Once this is done restart your computer and wait for windows to load. When windows loads you should see a small icon in the system tray that says wireless network detected. Click on this and view the wireless network available and select the one you have set up on the router. The computer should be able to connect to it, adjust the security settings to match those of the router i.e. the encryption key your router produced should now be entered.
To set up a notebook PCMCIA card refer to the printed guide with your card and install the relevant software from the CD. Turn off the notebook and plug in the card to an available slot on the side of the laptop. Turn on the notebook and the hardware should be detected and then wireless networks should be visible. Select your network and enter the Key provided by your router as you do on a Desktop PC.
Step3...Running Windows XP network setup wizard
To run the wizard click Start > My Network Places on the left you should see a column that says Set Up a Home or Small Office Network. Run the wizard and follow the onscreen instructions. Repeat this on all machines on the network entering the same information each time.
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