If you're thinking of installing a LAN into an existing home, perhaps to tie together a computer, server, printer, scanner, etc., then I would recommend installing Category 5 Enhanced cable.
You'll have to have some holes punched in your walls, run cable and wiring through your house, and install some network cards in your PC—but the good news is that getting up and running is easier than ever.
If you're lucky enough to be building your home from the ground up, you have the opportunity to design it with communications in mind.
The fastest and cheapest way to get started is with an all-in-one networking package like Netgear's SB-104 kit. It comes with a pair of 10/100Mbps Ethernet adapters; a solid-as-a-brick, four-port, dual-speed 10/100Mbps hub; cables; driver software; and easy-to-follow instructions. Once you're up and running, you can add older 10Mbps devices to the spare hub ports. Better yet, connect multiple hubs to create an even bigger network. And with top speeds of 100Mbps, you can even stream video between PCs without any problem. If you run into setup snags, Netgear provides around-the-clock, toll-free tech support. The only thing the Netgear Kit lacks: software for sharing an Internet connection.
