Unthinkable

I'm changing my approach. Instead of telling you why you should network your PC's (always assuming you have more than one at any location), I will ask, "What's your excuse?"

There isn't one! You can't use price, convenience, availability, lack of experience, complexity, or even apathy. If you use a computer for fun or profit, none of the above apply.

Let's knock down those excuses right now! Starting with price, we already established that you have two or more computers with software. Lets be conservative and say they cost $2000 total (you did you buy all of that software didn't you?). Two network cards and a crossover cable rack up about $35, less than the cost of many games.

Convenience is just one of the reasons to create a network, but let's eliminate it and availability anyway. If you run any version of Windows from 95 on, or any release of Linux, you already have the networking software. Just go to Help-Install-Network and see for yourself.

Lack of experience and complexity are the most believable excuses, but, hindsight will prove that they were figments of your overactive imagination. You will need to be able to handle a screwdriver (or know someone who can) and you must answer some Yes/No questions, but beyond that there just isn't much to do.

And, as for apathy, you read this far didn't you? Grin!