| If you've got more than one computer at home, | | | | yet, so if you get a 'pre-n' piece of |
| you may be thinking about setting up a | | | | hardware, the standards may change, leaving |
| wireless network. It can make file-sharing a | | | | your device unable to function properly. |
| breeze, with no more having to burn data onto | | | | |
| a CD-ROM or trying to fit it all into a | | | | Your computer will need a wireless access |
| memory stick (or -shudder- a floppy disc!) to | | | | point to communicate with the router. There |
| get it across the room. And going wireless | | | | are two main types. The first is the PCI |
| lets you position the router in a convenient | | | | wireless network card. This is an internal |
| central location, without having to run wires | | | | card, like many modems, and must be |
| along the baseboards or under carpets. | | | | installed inside the computer in an empty |
| | | | card slot. These will have an antenna that |
| But setting up a wireless (or 'wi-fi') system | | | | sticks out of the back of your PC, which may |
| can be a daunting task if you've never done | | | | not give you the best signal if the antenna |
| it. Or is it? With technology today, firing | | | | is hidden away. Some models have a short |
| up a wireless router and adding a few access | | | | cable for the aerial, so you can mount it |
| points has never been easier. Many of the | | | | somewhere to improve reception. |
| setup routines are automated, with your input | | | | |
| limited to thinking up a few passwords, or | | | | The second type of network connection is a |
| typing in some information off the label on a | | | | USB adapter. This attaches to an open USB |
| piece of hardware. Let's take a quick look | | | | port on your computer, and has either a |
| at some of the hardware common to any | | | | built-in antenna, or a cable to a separate |
| wireless setup. | | | | aerial, like the PCI card. These are |
| | | | portable between computers, but may not |
| The core of any network is the router. If you | | | | receive as well as a built-in card. Also, |
| already have a broadband/ADSL/cable modem, | | | | they can be bumped if they stick out of your |
| it's best to get one with the modem function | | | | computer. |
| built-in, and replace your existing one. If | | | | |
| you don't want to do that, make sure the | | | | If you have a notebook computer, many of them |
| router you decide upon can be plugged into | | | | now have wireless access built in. Older |
| your modem. The router transmits and | | | | models can use a notebook card, which slides |
| receives the signal to your computers. Almost | | | | into the PCIMCA slot. |
| all of them have several Ethernet ports to | | | | |
| connect devices with a cable. This is handy | | | | With this basic knowledge, you may find that |
| if you have a computer or network-accessible | | | | configuring your own wireless network is |
| printer nearby, and don't need a wireless | | | | amazingly easy. In no time, you can be |
| connection. The important thing to remember | | | | surfing from anywhere in your house, or |
| when purchasing a router is to make sure it's | | | | passing files back and forth effortlessly |
| 802.11g compatible. The 'g' means it's | | | | from one computer to another. Many other |
| faster than the older 'b' standard. You may | | | | devices can now also access your home |
| see references to an upcoming 'n' standard | | | | network, such as game consoles, cameras and |
| as well. The final requirements for this | | | | cell phones. Unplug yourself, and see how |
| standard have not been fully decided as of | | | | much fun it can be to go without a wire. |