If you have just bitten the bullet and installed broadband you might be wondering how to get the best value from your new super-fast net link.

For many small businesses, the big advantage of Broadband technology is that you do not have to subscribe to a costly multi-user link to be able to share your connection.

You do not even have to buy any expensive hardware unless you fancy setting up a wireless local area network (LAN) to distribute your largesse.

All you need to "spread the web" around your office or home is a standard ADSL or cable connection, your PCs, some network cable, network cards and a hub.

The total cost is minimal, especially if you pick up one of the inexpensive networking kits now available.

If you cannot do the job yourself, find a competent and reliable technician to set up your connections. Muddling along doing it yourself is all very well but paying someone for a couple of hours of their time makes a lot more financial sense.

Do remember that an ADSL modem will not share an internet connection on its own. You will need a router.

If you have not already purchased an ADSL modem, you might like to think about one of the new breed of modem/ routers that allow you to connect multiple users straight from the box.

These can save a lot of set-up time and make the task easier.

One of the best I have seen is the ZyXEL Prestige 650HW box that really does the business very well.

The Prestige is an ADSL router with an integrated 4-port 10/100 Mbps switch, capable of providing connection speeds of up to 8Mbps.

The Prestige also incorporates an 802.11b Wireless LAN Access Point, designed to allow users greater networking flexibility.

And as it is priced about £199 it will not break the bank.

A wireless connection is actually a pretty good idea if you do not want to be bothered with cables, drilling and mess. Just plug in the base unit, install the radio cards and configure. Easy peasy.

There is one small but critical potential glitch.

Do remember wireless networks can be insecure so check you have set up your own security controls before transmitting any state secrets.

Make sure you have enabled the WEP feature on your wireless access point to encrypt all your internal data traffic.

This is not a foolproof and complete solution but it will tend to deter all but the most determined invader.

Some business users may wish to run their own publicly-available web mail or ftp servers from their broadband connection and this is perfectly feasible. You do need to check with your ISP (internet service provider) first as this can cause them some headaches. Their terms and conditions will tell you exactly what you can and cannot do.

Firewalls make good sense if you plan to leave your system connected at all times.

Invest some time in researching both hardware and software systems. Each has their merits.

If you choose to set up your own web server, be prepared for issues that will occur if your web site visitors use up all your available bandwidth.

Most ADSL lines only have upload speeds of 256Kb/s which can get used up very quickly if your site is popular.

The most important thing is to make sure the connection is used to its fullest capacity. Give your people broadband internet access and notice the improvement in your business communications.