Even with DRM, however, all audio and video streams can be recorded. The simplest way to record streaming audio is to attach a recorder to output jack of your soundcard. Any recording device – portable MP3 player, cassette deck, MiniDisc etc. can be used. The problem with this method is that you have to convert digital stream into analog, and there will be some loss in sound quality.

If you wish to keep audio stream in digital domain, you need special software to capture it. Most audio capture software works by emulating a sound card. You feed output of emulated sound card to a file, and as audio is streamed to your computer it is captured to file. Any kind of audio stream can be captured this way no matter whether it is played with Windows Media Player, Real Player, Quicktime, or any other audio streamer.

Print Server

Enabling printer sharing is very similar to setup for file sharing.

First, install printer. Simply follow manufacturer's instructions for installing your printer and be sure all drivers have been installed.

Enable Print Sharing. In steps above, you have already enabled File Sharing. For those of you with Windows 98 or ME, follow directions in Step 1 above and also check I want to be able to allow others to print to my printer in dialog box. Restart your PC.

Share The Printer. Again, depending on what Operating System you are using, go to your printer folder. For Windows XP, select Start > Printers and Faxes. For Windows 98, ME, or 2000, select Start > Settings > Printers. Right click printer icon you wish to share and choose Sharing. Then just follow instructions from there.

Share That Internet Connection

Now that you have your server set up, you can also use it to share an Internet connection.

Install a Modem and/or Additional Network Card. If you are using a dial-up connection, you will need to install a modem if one is not already installed on server PC. Follow manufacturer's instructions for installing modem. If you use a broadband connection, network card you installed when setting up your network will work fine. You will need a second network card for cable or DSL modem, unless you have a USB broadband modem.

Setup Internet Connection Sharing.

For Windows 98 or ME users, go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel and select Windows Setup tab. For 98, double click Internet Tools or for ME, double click Communications. Select Internet Connection Sharing, click OK and run Internet Connection Sharing Wizard or Home Networking Wizard. For Windows 2000 and XP users, right click My Network Places icon on your desktop and select Properties. Right click broadband modem connection and select Properties. For Windows 2000, click Sharing tab and check Enable Internet Connection Sharing for this connection. For XP users, click Advanced tab and select Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection.

Voila! You now have your own home network. Congratulations!

Manage Your Home Network

Now that you have your own home network, we can help you make it a little easier to manage. Micro 2000 has made available a 5-seat version of RemoteScope for home users who want to manage their networks of up to 5 PC's from a remote location. It can be a hassle, not to mention time consuming, making sure each PC has been defragged, backed up, or had latest virus updates installed. If you'd like to be able to manage each of your PC's from one machine, you can. Remotely control each PC, deploy applications and patches, set up back ups and defrag tasks, or help keep your kids protected online with monitoring feature. To find out more about RemoteScope's features visit RemoteScope Network Management.

Disclaimer - The Micro 2000 Tech Tip is a free service providing information only. While we use reasonable care to see that this information is correct, we do not guarantee it for accuracy, completeness or fitness for a particular purpose. Micro 2000, Inc. shall not be liable for damages of any kind in connection with use or misuse of this information.