PC Experts-Please Apply
By DCMerkle
@DCMerkle (1281)
United States
December 30, 2008 1:47pm CST
I've got a few questions for all you expert PC'ers.
My new laptop is WiFi capable. I've been using WLAN, but I'm finding that the signal is not all it should be for a hot spot. So, I'm going to have to get a wireless router. I have a connection to the net, through my telephone provider, to the PC that is my son's, in the living room. I want to be able to use my laptop in the bedroom along with the router. Now, my questions are:
1)Not really seeing a router in action or how it's hooked up, how does one go about hooking up a router.
2)Being I have DSL connection to the PC in the living room and have service for that PC, will having the router be a problem? For instance, will it be an extra bill?
3)Once I have my router set up and have established my network, what do I need to do to make it secured or will I get that info with the router? Will there be software that I have to install? If so, if it can be bought in a store then there must be a freeware program that is just as good, so what would anyone recommend?
Sorry if these questions sound a bit off. I wasn't quite sure on how to word it.
DCMerkle
2 responses
@triharder (244)
• Singapore
30 Dec 08
Hey DCMerkle!
The answers to all your questions are basically, its in the box! haha! Let me explain..when you buy the router you're buying the contraption, not an extra service or anything. There are a lot out there and a salesperson might try get you to get the most expensive one but you can pretty much go with one of the cheaper ones and be perfectly fine (my linksys one cost about 30 bucks and still works great!)
The router connects 1. to the internet and 2. to the power outlet and 3. broadcasts a wireless signal of your internet. You can then connect your son's PC directly to the router via the network cable you already have..
As far as securing the signal just follow the instructions written with the software - that YES you will have to install (only needed on the computer setting it up so your son's) - and you should be golden!
Hope this helps! Leave a comment if you still have questions!
@DCMerkle (1281)
• United States
30 Dec 08
Triharder,
Thanks a lot! I knew I had to be somewhere in the area of knowing what to expect. I've seen some of the routers that are in the 3 digit range, but they must be for businesses that have a mega network. Why did you pick linksys over the other brands out there; besides the price?
DCMerkle
@triharder (244)
• Singapore
31 Dec 08
Hmm, well Linksys was one of the first brands to manufacture wireless routers..they're sturdy, reliable and best of all cheap! And yes, DEFINITELY don't buy anything over 100 bucks! You REALLY don't need that much. Generally systems that are that expensive have more "ethernet" (wired conneciton) ports and so yes can support a bigger network than just your home. They also have more powerful signals usually but you really should be fine with a 30-60 router..netgear ones aren't bad either or whatever you can find in that price range! glad i could help :)
@belikesanjay (56)
• India
31 Dec 08
Hi there ! Happy New Year .First u should configure ur Router and then plug ur net connection into the Router after this u can use net any where in ur home ?there is no need of any software to install.after configuiring ur router when u plug ur net cable in it there is green lights front side on the router its glow.
