Going wireless is not hard, in fact, it's very easy. The main equipment you need is called a wireless router. Depending on whether you have a pc or laptop you will also need a USB adaptor or laptop card. Many of the computers that are being sold these days already come with WiFi already built in so you actually may not need to buy an adaptor or a card. If you are signing up for high speed internet such as cable or broadband, you can choose not to buy a router as your internet provider can give you one or let you rent from them.

Anyway, what I really like about a home wireless network is that it gets rid of the tangled wires and you never ever have to queue to use the internet again (provided you have enough computers and laptops for each person who wants to go online). Whether it's a laptop in the garden or a pc in your bedroom, wireless networking will make it possible for you and your family or friends to use a pc or laptop wherever you want as long as it is within range of your home wireless access point.

So how does it really work? Basically, just plug in the router into your phone socket or cable box and your home will be connected to a wireless network through one central point called the wireless access point (the location of the router which will be broadcasting the signal). Doing this will allow you to:

- Surf the web
- play games on the internet by connecting your games console
- print from any pc or laptop to a single printer
- listen to music from your computer using WiFi radio
- share files and swap them between pcs and laptops connected on the wireless network

If you have a laptop or pc that doesn't already have wireless networking installed, you need to buy a card or adaptor. In order to optimise your home wireless network for the best speed and range, computer networking experts recommend that you match the adaptor or card to the router for maximum performance. For example if you have a wireless G router then it's advisable to get a wireless G adaptor or card. Depending on how you get your broadband (phone line or cable) you will either need a modem router or a cable router respectively.

When choosing a router, you need to consider the speed and coverage or range. Usually, speed and coverage go hand in hand so that fast routers have a wider coverage. Other features that you may want to consider include security, plug & play (simple connection and setup), ports (sockets that where you can connect other devices), wireless gaming, wireless printing and built-in hard drives for back-ups.

If you are unsure about which wireless broadband router to choose for your home wireless network just ask your internet service provider to recommend one.

Setting up a home network is quite simple. Many wireless router manufacturers are very eager to make the process as easy as possible. If you are not sure about what to do, the best place to start is the quick start guide that comes with the router. Just follow the instructions step by step and you'll be alright. You can also read through the trouble shooting section of the manual.

If you are have a specific problem, contacting your internet service provider's support or customer care or the manufacturer would be your best bet. If you are a forums type person, just do a search online and chances are that someone has already come across the problem and solved it. Yahoo Answers, Google Answers and Online discussion forums have lots of useful information on home wireless networks.