| If you have multiple computers in your home - | | | | - Internet Explorer seems to work best for |
| and multiple people who need internet access, | | | | many computers - and type in the web site |
| for business, school, or social matters - | | | | address from your router's instructions or |
| you're probably tired of the hassle of | | | | documentation. It will be a string of |
| sharing the one computer with internet or if | | | | numbers, and you'll then be prompted for a |
| you already have a wired network and are | | | | password which will also be inside the router |
| tired of dealing with wires running up and | | | | documentation or sometimes right on the |
| down the stairs, across the floor, and | | | | router casing. |
| through the wall you're definitely a prime | | | | |
| candidate for a wireless internet network in | | | | You'll then be shown a screen which is your |
| your home! | | | | router configuration page. You'll need to |
| | | | configure three things on here: |
| While it may sound like something complicated | | | | |
| and difficult to set up, the truth is that is | | | | - Add your wireless name, the SSID. Choose a |
| doesn't take years of technical expertise to | | | | name that your neighbors wouldn't use, as |
| get started. Here are four pain-free steps to | | | | this will be the identifier for your personal |
| follow to set up a wireless network in your | | | | wireless network. |
| home and then enjoy surfing the net on your | | | | |
| laptop while relaxing on the couch! | | | | - Turn on WEP, wireless encryption that will |
| | | | protect your network. This is what keeps |
| 1) Buy Equipment | | | | people outside the house from breaking into |
| | | | your internet history or hacking passwords to |
| You'll need a wireless router, a Broadband | | | | important sites. This needs a password or |
| internet connection, and a computer that has | | | | phrase. |
| either a wireless network adapter or an | | | | |
| internal wireless card. Make sure the router | | | | - Add an administrative password. This should |
| box tells you there's a built-in firewall - | | | | be a combination of numbers, letters, and |
| you don't want neighbors stealing your | | | | symbols - you'll need to remember it, but it |
| internet, and a firewall also protects you | | | | should be obscure and uncommon. If you have |
| from anyone else gaining access to your | | | | to change the router settings at any point, |
| internet history or passwords. | | | | this is the password you'll need to get in. |
| | | | |
| 2) Connect Your Router | | | | Make sure you hit 'save- after you change the |
| | | | settings, or else the configuration will |
| Turn off your DSL or cable modem by | | | | revert to the default settings. You can now |
| unplugging it. Then, connect the wireless | | | | remove the network cable from your computer. |
| router to the modem. | | | | |
| | | | 4) Connect Your Computers |
| Plug the modem back in, and turn it on. Walk | | | | |
| around and do something else for a few | | | | First, download and install Windows XP |
| minutes - the modem will need this time to | | | | Service Pack 2. Then, head into your computer |
| reconnect to the internet - and then you can | | | | and select 'view available wireless networks- |
| plug in and turn on the router. After another | | | | after selecting the wireless network icon at |
| minute or two, you should see the WAN light | | | | the bottom of your computer screen. You |
| come on, letting you know that the router has | | | | should then see your wireless network listed |
| connected to the modem. | | | | as an available network. You may have to hit |
| | | | refresh once or twice, but once it appears, |
| 3) Configure Your Router | | | | you can select your network and hit |
| | | | 'connect'. |
| Your wireless router came with a networking | | | | |
| cable, which you will need to use to connect | | | | You'll be prompted to enter your encryption |
| your computer or laptop to an open network | | | | key/password from earlier, and then you can |
| port located on the router. This is only | | | | hit 'connect- again. Windows should show you |
| temporary, so don't worry about seeing a | | | | that it is attempting to connect to your |
| wire! | | | | wireless network, and once you're connected - |
| | | | that's it! Enjoy your wireless internet |
| The router and your computer should connect | | | | access. |
| automatically, so open your internet browser | | | | |