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December 20, 2007
Wireless Computer
I am wondering if anyone can enlighten me as to how a wireless computer, router and printer operates?
I now have a computer operating through Time Warner Cable and was recently informed that I would need a dedicated line to operate my computer when I move it to the front of the house. I would have to have a cable wire go up the back of my house, along my roof and down the front of my house. I really don't want to do that and was thinking of a going wireless, yet don't know anything about it.
Comments
Ok, I'm assuming that right now, you have a cable modem (provided by time warner) that connects to a cable wire, and then an ethernet cable runs from your modem to your computer. Does that sound right? In order to set up a wireless system, you need to buy a wireless router of some sort, and have the cable modem connect to it instead of your computer. Then you have to make sure your computers have wireless cards so that they can communicate with the router. You will want to make sure you set up your wireless router with some sort of security/password, to prevent people from stealing your bandwith. This link sort of illustrates the basics of it. Hope I helped.
http://www.geeksquad.com/tools/detail.aspx?id=339
Posted by: rjlovie at December 20, 2007 11:24 AM
ascertain if your PC has wireless, if it doesn't, go buy an appropriate wifi card for it. If you are deathly afraid of opening your PC to install the card then buy a USB wifi adapter. Then go buy the cheapest linksys wireless router you can find, plug it into your cable modem, and then read the short manual that comes with it.
You reduce the small chance of problems further if both the card/usb device and the wifi router are the same brand.
Total investment less than $80. If you use craigslist you can probably do it for $40.
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 11:38 AM
definitely go wireless, the technology is good enough these days you won't notice any speed loss most likely, and no more cables all over the place! i felt weird at first for putting wireless card in a pc that wouldn't be moved ever, but it's such a relief not to have deal with that crap.
now, if you are using VPN for work or have problems getting the wireless stuff to work, you might also look into 'powerline adapters'. these plug into electrical outlets and use your home's electric system to tranfer internet signal. it's pricey but apparently it works well.
http://www.cnet.com/4520-7390_1-6274537-5.html
Posted by: Jimmy Legs at December 20, 2007 12:10 PM
One other thing to keep in mind: Depending on the distance (and number of walls) between where your wireless router (connected to the cable) sits and where your computer will be, you may not always get a consistent and strong wireless signal through the home. We had some issues with this even in our 2-bedroom apartment. We solved it by adding a "booster" at a mid-point in the apartment--basically a little device that plugs in and helps push the signal through. I *think* also (not sure--am definitely not the tech person of this household!) you can also get wireless routers with stronger signals (that cost a little more).
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 12:25 PM
The easiest way is to buy a combined wireless gateway+ router, often called home router or broadband router. I have Time Warner Cable at home and have had good performance with Linksys products.
You first have to plug your computer into the router and use a web browser to set up the router- the router needs your Time Warner password and you need to choose the wireless security method- never use WEP it is garbage, use WPA or WPA2 or the routers equivalent. You probably don't want the router to broadcast its domain either (otherwise anyone within wireless distance will see you have a network up and might try to break in)
You will need a wireless network interface card that goes in a free slot inside your computer.
You will need to know how to tell your computer to use the wireless connection instead of the wired connection (usually the operating system will have an option to disable the network interface you don't want- that way it is still there to switch back to when you need it)
I have not had any reliable performance from third party print servers, so if your printer doesn't support wireless input already this could be a tought one to solve. There is a big market of products that claim to do this but every one I have tried has delivered poor results.
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 2:46 PM
Is this a real post? Come on.
Posted by: guest at December 20, 2007 6:55 PM
Thank you everyone for your helpful, informative information.
Posted by: Giovanna at December 21, 2007 9:19 AM
6:55, no it's an entirely fake post, you've been punked you dumb assmonkey
Posted by: guest at December 21, 2007 9:26 AM
I forgot to ad make sure to change the default admin password for managing the router.
Posted by: guest at December 21, 2007 10:56 AM
And dont change the password to assmonkey
Posted by: guest at December 21, 2007 3:39 PM
4ssm0nk@y is an acceptable password
Posted by: guest at December 21, 2007 4:26 PM
Please see:
"Who is this guy who gets off on creating stupid Forum posts?"
Above.
Posted by: Rehab at December 23, 2007 7:57 PM
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