You might just be at that point, where the small, wired home network you created a few months ago just is not doing it for you anymore and you want to extend it with a wireless network. Of course, you might as well be at that point, where you want to build a completely new network. Whichever the reason may be, the problem is the same - you need to know exactly how to do a wireless network installation.

Most of the time, you will find it necessary to install a wireless router. Now, you will only need to install one of these if you either are building your first home network or simply want to keep the wireless network installation at the simplest level as possible. Remember to install the router in a somewhat central location in your home so this way all receivers will be almost in the same line of sight. You see, with wireless internet, the speed depends on the distance from the router to the receiver. All you have to do now is connect your router to a power source, and of course an Internet source. Nowadays many routers support broadband modems and even dial-up connections. Still, when you buy a router make sure that it has an RS-232 serial port if you need the dial-up connection, because otherwise you will find yourself having a useless router. Last, but not least, you can also connect a wired router (called a switch or a hub) because wireless routers generally do contain built-in access points.

Now choose the name of your network. Often with Wi-Fi the network names are generically called SSID. Of course, this SSID has to be identical with all computers that are sharing the same wireless router. For your own protection, it is recommended that no matter what name your router manufacturer set to change it to something else. In order to find a network name for your router all you have to do is consult the product documentation. Finally, read the documentation to find out how to handle WEP security and also how to turn on firewall features and how to set other options.

Wireless Access Points

One wireless type network connection is supported by only one access point. It is very important to remember this further on. It is recommended to use this type of access point only if you indeed need the features that only a wireless router can provide and also you want to have more than three or four computers around the house that will be connected to the internet. You can read more at http://www.howtosetupwirelessnetwork.com

The positioning rule is the same as with wireless routers - access points have to be placed in a central location so that all receivers will be in the same line of sight. Plug in the power cord and if necessary the dial-up internet connection as well. Now cable the access points to your hub or switch. In this case, you will not have to configure any firewalls at all, yet you will still have to set a network name and enable the WEP function.

Giving these two options of installing a wireless network in your house, from this point on, all you have to do is install them in your own operating system and you're good to go.

We've written a two-part series of articles discussing how to help you grow your network to assure you meet your company's IT needs. Part I focused on how to start the new year with a sound network. This month's article discusses the importance of budgeting for IT support and networking for increased productivity and growth in 2008. With the New Year fast approaching, now is a great time to not only review your company's current network but also to establish budgeting guidelines based on average product life expectancy. With companies depending upon computer technology now more than ever, you must make certain your system remains an efficient tool for your company. Generally, computers and network servers can last between four and five years but IT experts state if companies want a realistic monthly budget, they should assume a three-year product lifecycle. It is also recommended companies budget to replace both computer hardware and software every three years.

Budgeting for Hardware, Software & Installation In order to effectively budget costs in relation to hardware, software and installation, you would need the total costs of all hardware and software your company is currently using. Include a labor cost projection of $2000 per server and $250 per workstation. Total up all costs and divide this number by 36 months and this results in your monthly costs for hardware, software and installation budget. According to San Jose accountant Monica Bailey of Monica Bailey & Associates, "Companies can also take a more accelerated rate than typical depreciation on these types of assets. And, accounting software should be budgeted on an annual basis and kept current." Budgeting for Support To budget the costs associated with IT support, INS recommends to allocate approximately 20 minutes of support per computer each month. This includes the workstations and network servers. Some workstations will not need support each month, but it is best to average this amount monthly and also yearly.

"The best way to budget IT support costs is to take the previous year's total IT costs and add 10%," adds Bailey. "The 10% variance gives you an overall budget from year to date with ample room for cost increase."

IT support can be based on the following levels:

Level I - Monthly Service Contract This consists of a reduced hourly rate service contract and is the best overall option for customers. Level II - Block Time Clients can purchase a block of time to ensure they receive priority IT support. Level III - As Needed Clients pay an hourly rate based on each support visit, phone call, and additional services such as the remote monitoring service. I recommend the monthly service contract for customers as this option provides the most value for customers. Rather than receiving a bill each time your network is serviced, you prepay your account for a set amount of monthly hours. If you don't use the hours, you can roll the unused minutes over to the next month. If you should exceed these monthly minutes, you would pay an overage. This allows you to typically receive one monthly bill unless you should go over your prepaid hours.

Overall, the monthly service contract is the way to go with IT budgeting because it allows you the opportunity to carryover your monthly hours and build these up for later usage. Preventative IT budgeting and maintenance can help to ensure the success of your computer systems and your company while also saving money in the long run. Ultimately, IT budgets should focus on spending that helps employees serve customers more effectively and makes the company gain and retain operational excellence. About Thomas Burns and INS Thomas Burns, founder and CEO of Intelligent Networks Services, Inc. has been an industry expert in computer network and technology for over 20 years. Under his careful supervision, INS has become a leading, full service IT support company servicing small to mid-sized businesses in Silicon Valley. INS's goal is to save their client's money by focusing on preventative maintenance and intelligent network designs. For more information go to www.intelligentns.com/subscribe and receive a complimentary network evaluation.

There are many companies today offering computer rental services, but should you rent or buy? There are advantages and disadvantages to each and you should consider your own personal circumstances before deciding which option is best for you.

Computer Rental is Ideal for High-Tech Businesses

If you work in a high-tech industry where you constantly need to replace computers in order to get the latest, upgraded model then rental may save you money in the long run as you will pay a monthly fee and still have access to the latest computers. It is more difficult to stay up to date if you constantly need to purchase the latest equipment.

Save Start-up Business Costs

Another reason you may want to consider renting as opposed to buying one is to save money on your initial business start-up. There are often many expenses involved in starting your business and if you do not yet have the correct computer to start your business this can be a heavy cost for the new business owner. Renting can therefore help you reduce these initial costs.

With Computer Rental the Computer Is Never Yours

The disadvantage in renting a computer is that the computer will never be yours. If you do not need the latest then it may actually save you money over the long-term to purchase one and end up with your own computer that is fully paid off.

Whether you decide to rent or buy will depend on what type of computer you need, how much money you have to spend and your personal preference for buying your own or renting.