| Looking for a simple Step-By-Step guide to | | | | you need a wireless router. And third, a wireless |
| setting up a wireless network, in plain English? | | | | network adaptor for each computer that is going |
| Congratulations, your search is over. | | | | to be part of your network. For desktop PC's, |
| O.K. It's time to dispel the myth about networking! | | | | buy a USB adaptor and for laptops, get a PC card |
| Although networks, (wireless or otherwise) used | | | | adaptor, (this will plug into your expansion slot). |
| to be used primarily by businesses and schools, | | | | Before buying your wireless network adaptor, |
| times have changed. There are now huge benefits | | | | check to make sure your PC doesn't already |
| to installing a network at home. The thing that | | | | have this feature built-in. If it does then there is |
| put's many people off is the fact that they are | | | | no need to buy an additional one. Also, buy your |
| notoriously complicated to set up and get working. | | | | network adaptor and wireless router from the |
| Well, as technology had advanced this process | | | | same company. This will make things far easier |
| has become a darn sight easier and if you are | | | | when setting up. Now you have your equipment, |
| interested in setting up your own network then | | | | it's time to get it up and running. |
| don't panic. As long as you have a little patience, | | | | Unplug your modem and connect it to your |
| you can do it. There is an abundance of | | | | wireless router. You will notice that your router |
| information on the internet to help you get | | | | came with a network cable. Plug one end into the |
| through any problems so, if possible, keep one | | | | back of the router, (the port labelled internet, or |
| computer off of your network, (but connected to | | | | Wlan, or Wan) and the other end into your |
| the internet) to start with. This way you will still | | | | modem. If you are unsure which port to connect |
| be able to connect to the web and get any | | | | your cable to, you will need to refer to the |
| advice and tips you need during your installation | | | | instructions, as routers vary depending on the |
| and set-up. | | | | make. Now plug in your modem again and |
| For those that consider yourself novices and are | | | | connect to the Internet. Next, plug in your router |
| not sure why having a wireless network in your | | | | and turn it on. After a few 30-60 seconds you |
| home is beneficial, let's take a look at some of it's | | | | should see lights that indicate the router is |
| uses. Many of us now have more than one | | | | connected to the modem. Now it's time to |
| computer in our homes. Whether you have | | | | configure your modem. |
| children with a PC in their room, or a laptop that | | | | Your router will have come with an address. Open |
| you use around the house and in the garden | | | | Internet explorer and type this in the address bar. |
| there are some great benefits to connecting | | | | You may need to enter the default password at |
| them all together. First of all, Think about your | | | | this stage. This also comes with the router. You |
| printer. Why bother having a printer for every PC, | | | | should now be looking at the configuration page |
| or transferring documents to the computer that's | | | | for your wireless router. Don't panic if it looks |
| attached to the only printer, when you can use a | | | | technical, you only need to change a few things. |
| network to let your printer receive information | | | | First of all you will need to give your network a |
| form all your computers? Of course the other | | | | name. Choose something that is not too easy to |
| bonus is that, with a wireless network your | | | | guess, as this will help with security issues, and |
| printer can be put anywhere in the house out of | | | | type this in the SSID section. You should also see |
| the way. If like me, you have a computer in your | | | | a section that asks for a WEP or a WPA. Choose |
| living room, then hiding the printer away in the | | | | something long and random as this will prevent |
| cupboard is perfect. | | | | hackers getting in, you don't need to remember |
| So there's one advantage. Now, what about | | | | this anyway. Now you need to create an |
| music, videos and other media? There is no need | | | | 'administrators password'. Again choose something |
| to waste time and money putting music onto all | | | | unique containing letters and numbers, (you will |
| of your hard-drives. By creating a Wireless home | | | | need to remember this one though). Now that's |
| network you can store all you media on one | | | | done, disconnect the network cable from your |
| hard-drive and access it via the network. Of | | | | computer. |
| course these are only examples. Another obvious | | | | Now you can connect your computers. Before |
| benefit is the ability to access all of your | | | | doing anything, make sure you have "Windows |
| documents from any computer in the network. If | | | | Service Pack 2". Now, repeat the following steps |
| your chilling in the garden with your laptop and | | | | for each computer. |
| need a file from your desktop PC, no problem. | | | | If you have purchased a USB network adaptor, |
| Just access it via your wireless network. Now | | | | plug this into a USB port on your computer. If |
| we've covered some of the more obvious | | | | you have a network card for your laptop, plug |
| benefits to installing a wireless network let's take | | | | this in your expansion slot. Windows should now |
| a look at how to do it. | | | | detect your new hardware and ask you to insert |
| The first step, without a doubt is planning. You | | | | the CD that came with it. Do this, and follow the |
| need to know what you require from your | | | | on-screen instructions. Once you have completed |
| network. How many computers you want to | | | | this you will see a new icon in your taskbar, |
| attach, where your computers are located, and | | | | (bottom right of main windows screen). Right-click |
| any other peripherals, (such as printers). Once you | | | | it and select 'View Available Wireless Networks'. |
| have this worked out it will be much easier to | | | | You should now see the name of your wireless |
| determine what equipment you need. When | | | | network, if you don't, click refresh. Select that |
| looking at equipment I would recommend that | | | | network and click connect, enter the network |
| you set up your network using the 802.11g | | | | key you will have typed in earlier and wait for it |
| technology, as it is the most compatible. | | | | to connect. Now you can close this window. |
| So, let's take a look at what you will need. First of | | | | Finally you need to........... |
| all, you'll want a broadband connection. Secondly, | | | | |