By Randall Hull

Tech Talk

This biweekly column offers solutions to personal technology problems submitted by readers. Neither the author nor this newspaper endorses products or companies mentioned.

Q: Regarding your Aug. 15 column on home networking, I had three follow-up questions. First, who makes home networks that use existing phone lines? Second, can both Wintel PCs and Macs share a single Internet gateway router in either wireless or wired systems? Third, what is a good resource for more information?

A: Since you want to use your phone lines for your network, consider Intel’s AnyPoint Home Networking Kit, the Proxim All HomeLINE, or the 3Com HomeConnect 10X PCI PhoneLine Kit. Also, 2Wire and Pacific Bell are offering a package configured for a PacBell DSL Internet connection. It is based on the 2Wire home networking gateway, which lets you connect all your computers using your existing phone lines so you can share the DSL modem as well as files, scanners and printers.

Don’t rule out a wireless network. There are several advantages: mobility, because lines do not restrain the network - your computers can be located anywhere, your network can move with you to a new home - and it is relatively easy to install. Imagine lounging in the backyard hammock and still having network access.

Wireless solutions include the Linksys EtherFast Wireless AP + Cable/DSL Router w/PrintServer, Proxim’s All Symphony, the Asante FriendlyNET FR3002AL Wireless Cable/DSL, SMC Networks SMC7004AWBR Wireless 4-Port Broadband Router with Print Server, or 3Com Home Wireless Gateway. 2Wire also offers a wireless model of their HomePortal 1000 series residential gateway. If your home network is Macintosh only, Apple’s AirPort is the easiest way to go.

As mentioned in the earlier column, Wi-Fi technology (that’s 802.11b for those keeping score) is used in corporate networks with wireless connection. If you bring your laptop home from work this is the version to choose. Note: A Wi-Fi wireless network requires a Wi-Fi-certified PC Card, PCI card or PCM-CIA card for each computer. Most products mentioned above are Wi-Fi or offer a Wi-Fi model.

You need to consider speed and the number of computers to be connected to your network. For wireless don’t get less than 1Mbps. For wire-based kits look for at least 10Mbps. Your network will slow as more PCs are connected.

Achieving a mixed platform network depends on the network products you choose and your network itself - is it primarily PCs or primarily Macs? Check each product’s specifications to determine which ones will work with the mixed network you want to create.

For more information, start by logging on to www.CNET.com. Also visit www.hometoys.com, www.thebroadbandhome.com and www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm.

Please keep questions to 100 words or less. Send to Tech Talk, Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or e-mail techtalk@latc.com.

Randall Hull is a Los Altos resident and owner of The Br@nd Ranch, an advertising and marketing agency.