Windows Tools, Help & Guides

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with
4.5 out of 5

PROS: Operating system virtualization with no cost to the user. Easy to use and simple for users of all skill levels. Small footprint on system resources (other than the resources used by the virtual machine.) CONS: There aren’t many cons with this program; however, the biggest thing that I dislike is the main menu, which is used to load the VMs— it just doesn’t match up to VMWare Workstation. But … this is free so I’ll live with it. Although the interface is kept simple, I find myself clicking next far too many times when setting up a virtual machine for the first time. VERDICT: If you’re looking for a virtual machine host solution—whether it be for software testing, for virus execution and fun, or too write guides like I do without restarting your computer every five minutes, VirtualBox will do this for you. PRICE: Free VERSION REVIEWED: 3.0.4 (Screenshots) Using 3.1.4. DOWNLOAD: Virtual Box

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If you don’t have a home network set up or if you have some of the components you need but haven’t set everything up yet, this guide is for you. In this guide, I show you what hardware you need to set up a home network, where to get it (if you’re in the UK), and give the basics of connecting it all together.

Please note that this is assuming you have an ADSL subscription (i.e. BT, TalkTalk, Sky, etc), and not Cable (i.e. Virgin). Also, whatever ISP (Internet Service Provider) you are using, if you have joined within the last few years, they should have sent you a free wireless router, with cables, anyway. If they haven’t, and you’re out of your contract, you should be able to speak to them and get them to send you the equipment out for free. For example, BT would send you their Home Hub, which is a really decent piece of hardware (especially as you can run a virtual “phone line” off of it, with BT BroadBand Talk!)

This guide is part of the Home Network Setup, Sharing, Streaming, and Backup Series. Learn more about setting up a home network, configuring file sharing and streaming, and performing network backups on the series homepage.

If you’re in the United States, please use the US guide to pick hardware. Otherwise, read on:

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As part of the Home Network Series we’re showing, on Windows Forums, what hardware we use on our home network. What do you use?

If you don’t have a home network set up or if you have some of the components you need but haven’t set everything up yet, this guide is for you. In this guide, I show you what hardware you need to set up a home network, where to get it (if you’re in the US), and give the basics of connecting it all together.
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If you have more than one computer in your home, you’ve probably considered setting up a home network. If you’ve set up a home network and it doesn’t work the way you’d like it to, you’ve probably considered throwing your equipment out of the window. Please, close the window and read on. This week, I’ll walk you through what hardware you need to set up a home network, where to buy it, and how it works together. I’ll then show you how to share files on your network, how to stream media across your network (and out to the world—even your phone), and how to back up your data, automatically, to any PC in your home.

Note: these guides are written for all recent (XP, Vista, 7) versions of Windows unless otherwise noted. If you find any incompatibilities, please let me know.

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One of the worst things for any electronic component is “heat”. Cooling is essential for electronic components! Every six months I clean the inside of my system and perform maintenance on the electrical contacts of each card. REMEMBER Grounding is essential always when performing maintenance.

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