XP is the most network-savvy of Microsoft's operating systems. Not only does it automatically recognize your network when you first install it, but it also includes a variety of wizards and other features that make it easy to connect to new networks and devices. Probably the biggest networking advance is built-in support for the wireless WiFi standard. Also, high on the list is a built-in firewall for protection.
In this chapter, you'll get over 20 networking hacks, including how to get the most out of wireless networking, command-line tools for troubleshooting networks, hacking firewalls, and how to optimize a home network, among many others.