Wired vs. Wireless

Wired Networks

Wired network involves attaching a cable to the system and the router. This means the system is stationary. To move the system and still have access to the internet means connecting system to another outlet to the router.

Advantages of wired networks

Easier to hook up (except for running the cables). You plug the cables in, turn the router on, turn computer on run network setup and you should be set.
Easier to keep secure than wireless (Security still can be broken but it is easier to make secure than wireless)
Most of the time, it is less expensive. Most desktops come with a built in network card but doesn't come with a wireless card. If you want a desktop wireless you will have to buy a wireless card.

Disadvantages of wired networks

If you have systems in different rooms, you will have to run cable between the rooms. This can be expensive and much work may be involved.
If a cable you have ran between walls goes bad, you may have a hard time figuring out which cable is bad.
Also if a cable in the wall goes bad, you have to replace it.
The system is stationary. You will not be able to move the system unless the location you moving it to has a connection to the router.

Wireless Networks

Wireless network involves connecting a system to the router through a wireless signal. The system is portable. You can access the router anywhere there is signal from the wireless router.

Advantages of wireless networks

Portable. You can move the system anywhere the signal is available.
You do not have to run cables. This aspect may save you money if your systems are spread out between rooms.

Disadvantages of wireless networks

There is more involved to secure a wireless network.
The security is easier to break
There is more steps involved in setting up a wireless network.
Most portables come with a wireless card (not all of them) but majority of desktops does not come with wireless. If they do not have a wireless card, you have to buy one. This can add to the cost of the initial setup.
Most home users do not understand the security portion of wireless.

What can you do with a Network?

You can access files from other systems that is connected to the network (if you have it authorized)
You can share the internet with each system. Each system can access the internet at the same time.
You can share a printer with all systems or only the ones you designate.
Some scanners and fax machines will let you share it in the network. This means any system can scan and fax.
You can access a document from several locations. This means Mary can access the document, as well as Steve, john and anyone else that needs access to it.

A tip on fax machines.

Most businesses has fax machines. Most businesses gets junk faxed to them all the time (coupons and sales ads that they don't want). This wastes money on paper and ink on the fax machine. This dips into the profits of the company. Here is a fix to this issue. Windows XP has a fax capability built into it. Use your fax machine for outgoing faxes only. Use the fax program built into Windows XP to receive faxes. When you receive them, don't have it print automatically. Have it stored on the system. You can then view the fax and decide if you want to print it. This way it doesn't waste paper and ink. You can use any of the systems you have. Even a workers computer. It will not interfere with their work. You can set audible to let you know when you got a fax.