Sexy Friends Toronto
Toronto Escorts

Wireless computing for dummies

George OTJ

George of the Jungle
Nov 12, 2003
617
0
0
North York
Ok, I'm thinking it's about time to replace my desktop and was wondering what's involved in setting up a home wireless system and what is needed in the type of equipment.
 

papasmerf

New member
Oct 22, 2002
26,533
0
0
42.55.65N 78.43.73W
it is easy
Just need to tell the computer it is out there.
 
May 4, 2005
1,005
0
0
More info for your request

What do you want to be wireless, exactly?

The keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.? Bluetooth (RF) or IR are the usual standards for that.

Are you trying to set up a home network? Main ingredient is a WiFi router that connects to your cable modem/DSL line. Your devices (PCs, printers, etc.) then connect to that. IEEE 802.11g is the latest and greatest wireless standard for this, last I checked.

If you do this, I would recommend that you adjust the filter settings on the router so that only the MAC addresses from your network devices are able to access it. Without this, your neighbors may be getting free internet from you.

As for software, you can set up a network easily with Windows XP, but it seems to be only good for file sharing. If you want to get fancier, you may want to set up an old PC as a server with LINUX, for example.

I am looking into doing this as well, since my old router crapped out. I was going to post a thread asking for router recommendations.
 

George OTJ

George of the Jungle
Nov 12, 2003
617
0
0
North York
The main thing I'm trying to do is have my computer in a different room then my DSL modem without having to run a cable though any walls. (I guess that means I need a RF system rather the IR)

Second, to be able to relocate my printer in the same room as the computer without cables to the computer.



Optional extras - having the mouse, keyboard, a laptop, Ipod mini and Fugi digital camera in the network with minimal cables would also be great.

Super bonus: Being able to play my Itunes music or computer movies through my Home Theatre system in the other room. :D
 
May 4, 2005
1,005
0
0
For the computer in different room, you'd need a wireless router. Try Linksys like SB said. The router should be a little less than a Franklin, I mean, a brown.

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Product_C1%26cid%3D1115416939789&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

For the printer, you can try a Bluetooth printer adapter or a wireless print server (also see the Linksys website). http://www.mpitech.com/bpa/

You should be able to get cordless keyboard/mice cheap. I've had success with Logitech. http://www.logitech.com/

Linksys also makes a entertainment adapter which is supposed to connect your home theater system to the network: http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?childpagename=US%2FLayout&packedargs=c%3DL_Product_C2%26cid%3D1115416830950&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper

I'm also thinking of getting a Linksys router as well. My old one was a D-Link DI-624, and it was a piece of crap! Boy, after all this, might be time to buy Linksys stock!
 

MarkII

New member
Sep 22, 2004
1,904
0
0
I've had a Linksys wireless system and it worked quite well.

Due to the need for extended reach I switched it over to the Belkin Pre-N system. Aparently the next wireless systems will be the N rather than G, much the same as G replaced B.

It has tremendous range, far better than any of the Linksys routers. The throughput is so fast that I had to throttle back one of the older systems as the data flow was too much for the older processor.

They weren't that expensive, got them at Office Depot out in Miss.

The one thing I did like was the fact that the card you buy for your desktop has a slot for the PCMIA card to fit into. Meaning if you only have for instance 1 computer hooked directly to the router, one desktop in another part of the house, and a laptop, you can slip the card out of the desktop in the other room and pop in into the laptop for using outside kind of thing. If you use essentially 2 computers and have a laptop you dont have to buy the extra card. I

Pre-N is backwards compatible, my laptop is running a builtin wireless g and it's still much faster than it was on the Linksys with better reach. Same with your existing hard installed wireless network cards, they'll still work.

Thats about the extent of my knowledge of wireless..so please don't ask any tech questions.

Another poster talked about putting the MAC address of each computer in. Thats a good idea. Both the Belkin and the Linkysys had the option of using 28 or 64 WEP encryption or WAP-PSK. I chose the WAP-PSK as it's a simple password of your choosing blocking out people you don't want on your router or in your computer. It was pretty easy to set up. I didn't go the MAC address route..seemed a little complicated.

It is good to have that on your system though. I had some problems with Rogers (cable got cut) and for 2 days I was still able to get my email through the unprotected router of someone who lives close by.
 

shakenbake

Senior Turgid Member
Nov 13, 2003
7,598
1,621
113
Durham Region, Den of Iniquity
www.vafanculo.it
Strongbeau said:
One word: Linksys.
I second that rcommendation.

Another benefit, and Winston will like this one, is that Linksys works flawlwssly with a Macintosh. So muc so, that I just plugegd into my wireless router hub and it identified it the first time. Also, I can network my Mac to the PCs in the household, as well.

shakenbake
 

George OTJ

George of the Jungle
Nov 12, 2003
617
0
0
North York
Thanks everyone for your information and I've made a start on my network. I have two pieces on order and I know I need more, I'm just not sure the best way to go about it

What I've ordered is:
Linksys Dual-Band Wireless Router (supports A,B, and G standards)
Linksys Wireless A/G Media Center Extender

Now what I need is a way to connect two of three devices to the network. I don't need all three connected at the same time so I thought I'd save a few bucks by only buying two adapters. The desired configuations are

router =--= computer 1 =--= printer
router =--= computer 1 =--= computer 2
router =--= computer 2 =--= printer

Computer 1 (3.2 GHz) has a bult-in ethernet G support.
Computer 2 (1.8 GHz) has an ethernet card but no free slots for new cards.
The link between computer 1&2 is to transfer files from the old computer to the new one. Eventually computer 2 will be sold or given away.

Any suggestions?
Anyone have experience with those wireless adapters that plug into the USB ports?
 
May 4, 2005
1,005
0
0
The router will have 4 RJ45 ports on it so it'd be more like:

router WAN -=- your cable/DSL
router port 1 -=- computer 1 -=- printer (or use print server with port 3)
router port 2 -=- computer 2 (can just use network cable since this PC is going away anyway)
router port 3 -=- print server (optional additional equipment) -=- printer
router port 4 -=- empty

You will most likely need a wired connection between computer 1 and the router to install the router software in the beginning. Since computer 2 is going away, you can probably just use a network cable to connect its existing ethernet card to the router, so you wouldn't need a wireless adapter at all for comp 2.

Assuming you're using Windows XP, use XP to set up a home network, enabling file sharing. Once all the files are transferred over to computer 1, then feel free to do whatever you want with computer 2.

I would suggest bartering it for an hour with your favorite SP. :D
 

George OTJ

George of the Jungle
Nov 12, 2003
617
0
0
North York
baltimoron said:
The router will have 4 RJ45 ports on it
The problem is this equipment won't all be in the same room and I'm trying to avoid running cables through walls.

- Computer 1 will be in the second bedroom.
- The media center extender will be in the living room with the stero system.
- The rounter may be in either room, depending how the Rogers/Expressview issue resolves itself.
- Not sure yet where computer 2 & printer will be.
 

George OTJ

George of the Jungle
Nov 12, 2003
617
0
0
North York
Winston said:
Why would you buy 2 routers? you need only 1, and a switch.
Huh?? If you're refering to the Media extender, my understanding is that this won't act as a router. It allows you to play music, pictures and movies from a networked computer through your home theatre system. As such, it needs to be hard-wired to the stereo and TV.
 

Weekly

New member
Feb 6, 2005
294
0
0
My uncle is able to pick up the internet for free without a cable, but it's slow, in his neighbourhood. How is this possible?
 

papasmerf

New member
Oct 22, 2002
26,533
0
0
42.55.65N 78.43.73W
Weekly said:
My uncle is able to pick up the internet for free without a cable, but it's slow, in his neighbourhood. How is this possible?
A neighbor has a wireless router which is not secure.
 

Mack Bolan

Active member
Sep 24, 2001
975
32
28
Some where in Cyber Space
papasmerf said:
A neighbor has a wireless router which is not secure.
Most of the NEW wireless routers have "ok" security settings. Mine is secure and I have 128 key security code. If you don't know the key, your not getting on my router. They are improving the key code all the time... Just check various vendors and some of the internet hardware sites..

I use a Dlink 624 and I always update the software...
 
If george's question is answered, then how about some tech thoughts.

I'm thinking of hold out from Wi-Fi and wait for Wi-Max. Verizon in U.S. is test-trial it in some areas. I know Wi-Max is not standardrize and expensive. With increasing demand for more multi-media flow and carry it with you, wireless is logic choice.

If Telcom willing to take the risk, can gain big time before general adoption. Sure their bubble bursted but can become the Google or Yahoo of Telcom, any thoughts?
 

thewheelman

New member
Feb 3, 2004
576
0
0
George

To share your internet service and your printer in your house you need at least the following equipment...
1- wireless router (LinkSys, Netgear, D-Link) approx. $80
1- wireless network card (PCI or USB) I prefer PCI card . approx. $60

Connect your modem (DSL or Cable) to the router and use the wired connection to the adjacent PC.

Next, use that PC to connect to the wireless router using a browser. Linksys will be http://192.168.1.1 D-Link http://192.168.0.100 or something very similiar.
What you want to do here is make your wireless network secure so all your neighbors don't ride for free and spy on you!!

Follow these steps
1- first change the router's administration password from "admin" to something unique to you. Logout and log back in using the new password.
2 - Change the SSID (your wireless network name) from the default to something unique (this is so you can recognize your network from your neighbors)
3 - turn on Authentication and select open shared key authentication and assign a password ( this will allow only wireless connections from PC's with the password)
4 - select 128 bit encryption ( this will encrypt the data transferring over your wireless connection and prevent your neighbors or the guy in the car outside from seeing everything you are doing) Some routers will generate a key (long string of letters and numbers that make no sense) from your password and you may need this key as a password when using your remote wireless PC. Most routers will generate 4 such keys, but you only need one of these (the one ticked off).
5- Go to the remote PC, power off, open case and insert PCI network card in slot. Power up and when new hardware is detected insert the cd that came with card. Once the drivers are loaded you should see a list of available wireless networks.
6- Double click on the network you named in step 2 ( it should say secured network beside the name). You will be prompted for the password. Enter either the password or the key that generated by the router. If using key, copy it to a text file for future use.
6- You should now be online and secure.

To share your printer, just connect it one of the PC's and mark it shared. You will need to then install the printer drivers (software) on the other PC's and add the printer as a network printer on those PC's.

To connect to your stereo / home theater you have a couple of choices, but if it is in another room then the wireless media convertor is the way to go.

Wireless connections have a habit of periodically dropping the connection however. (especially D-Link models like the 624) While not a big problem for PC's, it really screws things up for movies and audio. (movie freezes)
Therefore wired connections using RCA or digital cables for audio, and component, SVGA or DVI (HDMI) for video are preferred if your PC is close to your TV.

Hope this helps...
 

Kewlies

New member
Jul 30, 2006
89
0
0
Is a "Up to 300Mbps" wirless router faster than 54Mbps? is it possible to increase the speed of wireless/mobile internet computing in the home ?
 

Papi Chulo

Banned Permanently
Jan 30, 2006
2,556
0
0
Kewlies said:
Is a "Up to 300Mbps" wirless router faster than 54Mbps? is it possible to increase the speed of wireless/mobile internet computing in the home ?

If your highspeed internet provider only gives you 10Mbps, I don't see how you would benefit from a faster network, unless you are sharing files on your network. However to get the 54Mbps, 108Mbps or up to 300Mbps, you need to be using matching network adaptors in your computers
 

thirdtime

on terb
Mar 1, 2004
511
0
0
Vaughan
Even sharing files on a home network, a typical ATA/100 hard drive bursts at about 100MB/sec from the cache, but has a sustained rate of about 26-42MB/sec, depending on the drive. If you consider a best-case scenario with the 8MB cache full of data, 100MB/sec will quickly deplete the cache and commence transferring at the lower sustained rate.
Even the latest SATA II hard drives have a sustained rate under 65 MB/sec.
Kinda makes any home network speeds over 100 MB/sec irrelevant when transfering big files.
 

Cobster

New member
Apr 29, 2002
10,422
0
0
Strongbeau said:
One word: Linksys.
or D-Link, or TRENDnet, or Belkin...or...

I honestly think that at this point, they're all gonna be perrrty good.
 
Toronto Escorts