Until recently, home networks were primarily the realm of technophiles -- most families either didn't need or couldn't afford more than one computer. But now, in addition to using computers for e-mail, people use them for schoolwork, shopping, instant messaging, downloading music and videos and playing games. For many families, just one computer is no longer enough to go around. In a household with multiple computers, a home network often becomes a necessity rather than a technical toy.

If you're thinking of networking the computers in your home, you have several options to explore. A home network is simply a method of allowing computers to communicate with one another. If you have two or more computers in your home, a network can let them share:

• Files and documents
• An Internet connection
• Printers, print servers and scanners
• Stereos, TVs and game systems
• CD burners

The different network types use different hardware, but they all have the same essential components.

Different network types use different hardware, but they all have the same essential components:

More than one computer Hardware (such as a router) and software (either built in to the operating system or as a separate application) to coordinate the exchange of information A path for the information to follow from one computer to another

Let High Definition Technologies work with you today to design your home network today.