Although networks of computers are common in office environments, helping communication and software compatibility, they are less used in the home.  We generally don't have many domestic computers, so the connection problem arises less.  However, networking software (particularly Apple's for the Mac) is simple enough for home use if you have two or more computers that want to share a printer, a modem or a scanner.  Unfortunately, wiring is needed to connect all items, so you can find yourself with an installation about as complex as that of your phones. However, wireless networking is becoming increasingly powerful, so the days of dangling cable and holes-in-the-wall may be numbered.

The most widely used hardware for network connections utilizes the Ethernet 'protocol' (a protocol is the way in which the digital information is organized and sent; the sender and the receiver are said to 'share' a protocol, so that they speak the same language).  Ethernet is available as 10baseT, 100baseT, or the fastest 1000baseT.  Unless you're using it for video or a lot of sound, the slower 10baseT is fine.  However, like all things computer, if faster is not much more expensive you will extend the useful life of your system by driving as fast as you can.  In computing, like punk rock, more and faster is always better.

Recent computers have an Ethernet socket in the back.  It looks like an American telephone jack, but slightly wider.  Cables run from here to the 'hub', which acts as a hub to the cables' spokes and does exactly what its name suggests.  Setting up a small hub is simple, and the manufacturer's instructions should be clear.  You will need instructions for setting up your computers to connect. Once set up, you are given a list of computers on the network, and you select those to which you wish to connect. 

Not all peripherals are Ethernet-capable.  Obviously those which are older or cheaper may not have embraced the extra cost of the port.  An older computer can usually be Ethernet-enabled with an additional card which fits in one of its internal slots.  Life is not so easy with printers and other peripherals, for even many contemporary models are simply not capable.

Since 2000, there have been steady developments in wireless networking, pioneered by Apple's AirPort system, which in 2002 is now available for the PC also. Speed is lower than hardwired, but fine unless you need to move large files.