Looking for a simple way to occasionally share files between your computer at home and one at work? Google Desktop 3 has an optional “Search Across Computers” feature that may be just what you need. Although some have raised privacy concerns, Developer Shed at Search Engine News concludes it is a useful tool that can be controlled . Learn more at Search Engine News and at Google Desktop.

Securing a wireless home network consists of several steps. First change the default password (which you can find online at http://www.routerpasswords.com/ ), then change the router’s default name, then add encryption. For a step-by-step illustrated guide, read CNET’s How to Secure Your Home Network.

With the introduction of music networking appliances, digital music collections are moving beyond the home computer, onto the home stereo system. Here are just some of the products in this new category: Apple’s Airport Express for iPod owners, a variety of devices that work with RealPlayer’s Rhapsody music service and SoundBlaster’s Wireless Music.

Are you installing a home network this holiday season? Here are three key definitions to get you started. A hub is a simple, unintelligent device that sends incoming signals out to ports. A switch is more selective, and only sends incoming traffic to specific ports. A router is the most intelligent, and can be programmed to route signals in very specific ways. For more home networking help see Home PC Network (
http://www.homepcnetwork.com/ ) and Home Net Help ( http://www.homenethelp.com/ ).

Short for “Wi-reless Fi-delity,” Wi-Fi is a brand name for a wireless network that uses radio signals. Wi-Fi can be used to distribute Internet access throughout a small area such as a house or a caf�, and will soon be used to connect household gadgets such as television sets and DVD players. To learn more, read CNET.com: What You Need to Know About Wireless or Wi-Fi Planet: Wi-Fi Shopping 101 .

A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that monitors incoming Internet traffic and allows only trusted connections. Whether you have an always-on Internet connection (such as cable) or use dial-up, a personal firewall is necessary for online safety. For product reviews and specifics, try PC Magazine or PC World .