Computers talking to each other

This has been on my mind a lot lately, because I'm working with a small business client to create a network for them.  Funny thing about the word network...in my previous life as a college Mass Communications major, I learned that technically, boiled down to its essence, a network is two TV or radio stations sharing content.

I figure we can say the same about computers to make the concept less intimidating.  A network is essentially two computers configured to share data.  Sure, it can be more than two, but once you think of it this way, it's not so mystifying.  At home, my 2 desktops, 2 laptops, Blu-Ray player and Xbox 360 can -- on a good day when the stars align and the gods of cat5e smile upon me -- communicate.  So they're a network.

Large businesses usually has networks called domains, where a central server controls accounts, security, etc.  Small businesses and homes can get by with a network called a workgroup, where computers and their humans can share data with no centralized control but also not as much need for ongoing management.

When I tell people I'm a network engineer, I usually get a blank stare.  Really, I just make sure computers can talk to each other, among other things.

That's all a network is.  Computers talking to each other.

The obligatory first blog entry

I started User Friendly Computer Services and Technology Consulting late in 2010. 

I have business cards, flyers, and an ad in the local paper (when I manage to make the deadline).

I have a decent web site that I created myself and update when I feel like I need to (www.userfriendlysupport.com) -- written using Xara web designer because I'm the first to admit when I don't know something and I certainly don't know HTML.  I'm also doing the web 2.0, social networking thing on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/hmGPBs) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/userfriendlymd) -- friend and/or follow me, please!  I offer discounts to friends, virtual and otherwise.

Hey look!  Over there on the right, you can share any interest posts I make on Facebook or Twitter with one click!   There's also a tech news feed.

Anyway, so now, as a natural extension of all this self-promotion, branding and all manner of modern advertising buzzwords, I'm going to blog.

I can tell you this is going to be an adventure as I try to figure out what you'd like to see on a blog.  Do I go the straight tech route and talk about current and emerging technologies?  Be helpful and give hints on everyday computer stuff?  Brag about my cool home network?

Maybe you want personal stories or tales of client engagements -- home and small business folks -- with names changed to protect the innocent?

With the way my mind works, you'll likely get all of the above with a smattering -- just a smidge -- of self-promotion thrown in.  I promise not too much shilling, though.  Did I mention I can help with any computer problems you have?  Okay then.

So please follow this blog.  I promise to make it brief and interesting.  Sometimes more brief than interesting, sometimes more interesting than brief.  On a perfect day, I'll hit the sweet spot.

And give me feedback if you are moved to do so.

Thanks for reading!

Brian