Wireless Network
 

How easy is this to do? I want to use my work laptop around the house, I have a cable modem, what the heck do I need.

P.S. don't tell my wife, but want to cruise Pelican while sitting in the front seat of the 911.

Michael

Start here.

You'll need a wireless router. Preferably an 802.11g standard router. (It's faster than 802.11b). Then you'll need a Wireless NIC (Network Card) for the laptop. Unless, of course you have a laptop with an integrated wireless card.

Then, it's just a matter of setting up your network, which is done through the router. Don't forget to set up some security, which again, will mostly be done through the router software.

It's all pretty simple if you follow the directions that come with the router.

Randy

I couldn't have said it better Randy. Linksys is very simple to set-up for wireless internet. Basically you would take your network cable, loop into the router and then back out to a desktop pc for setting up and thats it.

I have D-link setup and it works flawlessly.

Thanks guys,

I am going to head over to Comp USA and take the plung.

Michael

Take some time and read through the information. You want to setup MAC filtering and encrypted passwords. This is not difficult, it just takes some time. This will prevent your neighbors from using your cable modem, or some kids who drive by.

Hey, no fair! I have a program for my laptop so I can find open wireless hotspots.
If you set up the firewall then even if you have a open network no one can get into your computer. Its nice if others stop by and can jump on.
Geoff

You don't need a wireless router - just set up the wireless card and snarf your neighbor's network :)

Wireless is the greatest! There really is nothing like taking your laptop into the bathroom... I mean garage.... and surfing the net while taking a... I mean working on the car. Linksys is a pretty good system, and you can get all in one setups. I would spend a little extra dough and get one that is a wireless access point AND 4 port router, that way you can expand in the future if you want to.

I've got the Linksys Wireless G. Had a little bit of trouble in some areas of the house getting a good signal. Installed some 'high-gain' antennas on the router and bought a Linksys booster plugged into a receptacle in the middle of the house and all is well!

Get a firewall and block any unknown MAC addresses

I also use a Linksys G, no complaints

A vote for Mac's Airport Extreme. Works for PCs too! Supports remote printing and you can use the Airport Express as a bridge to extend range.

The biggest bonus? NO SETUP! Plug-n-play with any Mac or windows XP. (I have both on my network.)

I second the Airport Extreme recommendation. It's very easy to set-up and the remote printing capability is a major bonus. I'm networking three computers wirelessly to one DSL modem and one laser printer. Works great.

Linksys G is da bomb

I haven't used the Mac stuff, but I'm sure it is pretty user friendly as most of their stuff is. But, any of the wireless stuff will support remote printing. With windows xp you just have to allow the printer to be shared and any computer on the network can print to it. By defalt, everything is set up to not allow sharing for secruity reasons. Also, the linksys stuff is plug and play with no set up required. You just have to plug the modem into it, plug in the wireless card, and it is ready to go. I would still get into the settings to make sure the wireless part is secure though.

Most wireless routers only allow sharing of printers connected via ethernet.

The Airport also has a USB port which is how 9 out of 10 consumer printers will connect.

I have a Belkin a Linksys and an Airport on my net, I prefer the Airport, the Linksys is a close second.

Scott