I am looking into the possibility of setting up a network at my office but, I have several questions before that happens: 1. We have 5 computers at our office and looking to add a 6th. What is the best way to have these computers to be able to communicate and transfer files securely? 2. With these computers, what is the best way to be able to back up our systems automatically? 3. Whether we go wireless or with a server, who offers the best product out there? 4. And if everyone recommends going wireless, can someone offer a tutorial site on how to make a wireless network secure? 5. And maybe instead of answering all these dumb questions, can someone recommend just a book that covers everything about this subject? Thanks for your time. nate.

http://www.wown.com

Thanks for the link plainandsimple! Anybody else?

As for security you can't beat Ethernet: Wireless still has some vulnerabilities. With wireless of course you can carry your laptop from office to office (cubicle to cubicle?) and still connect (more or less) effortlessly. A wireless router has 4 built-in Ethernet ports so you can "mix and match" as you need. Map out your requirements carefully and allow about for about 50% expansion. Plan on hanging a printer, scanner, and fax machine on the network at some point. An 8-port Ethernet router & a 4 port print server would seem to meet your immediate needs and you can pick up an 8-port switch at a later date to expand. If you want to go wireless a wireless 4-port router and 4-port print server would do the same if you want to "mix and match" wireless and wired devices add an 8-port switch. You want a product that supports the latest encryption standard, WPA and follow the security suggestions on that site mentioned above. When buying wireless devices try to buy them all from the same manufacturer: helps with compatibility and technical support. You have all kinds of options for network backup. You can buy space from an online outfit or add a stand-alone tape backup drive to the network. You want to store the tapes off-site securely and figure on no less than a weekly backup schedule: Critical projects should backup daily at the least. Oh. "Networking for Dummies" and "Network Security for Dummies". Check these out on Amazon.com.

Thanks for the information Orion. I appreciate the post.