Communications

Home computer networks allow the entire family to share documents, printers and high-speed Internet connections from computers in different rooms, simultaneously. You can check your e-mail from the computer in the den while your child researches a homework assignment on the Web. In the kitchen, you can collect a list of ingredients from the Web site of a cooking show, add some items to the shopping list, print it out in the den and e-mail it to your spouse at work.

Networking personal computers in a home can add mobility to the list of home-office worker's perks. Network connections in other areas of the house where you might want to work allow you to back up your laptop, receive e-mail and print from anywhere you like. Wireless networking solutions can even let you bring your work outside.