I Have Wireless Internet Questions.

**Teresa T** · 12-09-2009, 06:37 PM

Hello everyone and thank you in advance.

My computer is, I think, about 5 years old. A lap top but a bigger, heavy clunker. I would like to keep it but have something smaller to use. A true laptop.

I need a "router" I believe. I noticed they come in "good" "better" and "best" I think.

Would it matter since I live in an apartment complex. Would I need the "best" to eliminate interference?

I have cable for internet. They said at the electronic store that I don't have to pay more for wireless. Just buy the equipment. I find the help at the only electronics store in town to be more than lacking.

I thought I might use the wireless, unplug my old computer and just use it for pictures etc.

Would the wireless be hard to set up?

Any help and advice greatly appreciated!

**Inkstain82** · 12-09-2009, 06:43 PM

In theory, you should be able to go to the store, buy a wireless router (I wouldn't go with best, and you could probably get away with cheapest, but might want to go with the middle option just to be safe), and the installation should be as easy as plugging in some wires and inserting an installation CD.

That will be all there is to it most of the time. But sometimes there are issues.

You may want to call your cable internet company. Most will offer to sell you a router and install it themselves.

**MaryCarney** · 12-09-2009, 08:34 PM

I installed our router - it's super easy (but don't tell my family, they think I am a genius). If you are in an apartment, you can go with the cheaper one- the $ translates into improved range - if you lived in a large home, for example.

You can also buy a wireless card, plug it into your desktops USB port, and be wireless all around.

**Palooka** · 12-09-2009, 11:40 PM

I have a linux router for my laptop and it was easy to install.

**Contrary Housewife** · 12-10-2009, 11:10 AM

Be sure you get a security package or your neighbors will be using your internet and looking at your files.

**Teresa T** · 12-10-2009, 12:17 PM

Contrary Housewife, can you elaborate on that a bit. I was wondering about that in an apartment complex. Does it have to be at a certain level like a cordless phone so others can't get my signal?

**Inkstain82** · 12-10-2009, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by Teresa T

Contrary Housewife, can you elaborate on that a bit. I was wondering about that in an apartment complex. Does it have to be at a certain level like a cordless phone so others can't get my signal?

Your router will come with encryption settings that you have to set. The default will be unencrypted, which means anyone can use your wireless if they can get the signal.

If you change that to an encrypted setting (the instructions will tell you how) and add a password to it, that will solve that.

**MaryCarney** · 12-10-2009, 12:35 PM

I personally LOVE all the people in my neighborhood with unencrypted settings. Not because I would have a clue how to invade their cyberspace, but because before I had a network I 'borrowed' theirs. It really is shocking how many people have no security at all.

**Inkstain82** · 12-10-2009, 12:45 PM

Originally Posted by MaryCarney

I personally LOVE all the people in my neighborhood with unencrypted settings. Not because I would have a clue how to invade their cyberspace, but because before I had a network I 'borrowed' theirs. It really is shocking how many people have no security at all.

NB4moraloutrage

**Teresa T** · 12-10-2009, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by Inkstain82

Your router will come with encryption settings that you have to set. The default will be unencrypted, which means anyone can use your wireless if they can get the signal.

If you change that to an encrypted setting (the instructions will tell you how) and add a password to it, that will solve that.

Thank you. That is very good information to know. And these young guys at the electronics store tell you none of that. It irritates the heck out of me which is why I walked out yesterday vs actually buying a computer as I intended. I started off by telling them I was not very computer literate and knew nothing about wireless. They just show you a box but don't tell you anything. Irritating.

**BudgetLoving** · 12-10-2009, 03:35 PM

I love it when my neighbors had unencrypted routers before the cable guy came to hook mine up at my new house. But now I keep mine locked - it's easier. You don't need to get a special security package though, look online at how to password protect your network - it's very simple.

**lottaLove** · 12-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Before you buy a router from the store, call your cable company. A lot of them provide wireless home networking modems at no extra charge, they would just replace the modem you have now for one that does wireless. Then, if it ever breaks you can just hop on the phone with them and get them to replace it. This depends entirely on the company, but I know all the major ISPs in Canada do this at no extra charge.

**lwlynch** · 12-11-2009, 04:19 PM

i called my provider and they gave me a wireless router for free and a 1 yr to stay with them.. cant beat that

**ohwhataday03** · 12-12-2009, 09:43 PM

Anyone know if comcast does the free router? I was wamting to buy one for the ds games but if I can get one for free why not.

**mombottoo** · 12-13-2009, 09:28 AM

Wireless is not hard to set up. We have a D-Link router that we use to connect our Wii to the internet. We have not had any issues what so ever in the two years we've had it. Just make sure that whatever you go with you set it up so other people cannot steal your signal or get into your stuff.

ohwhataday03---Comcast charges for everything...we pay $5.00 a month for our modem. We bought our wireless router for under $60.