O/T Wireless networking

[langy]

I want to set up a wireless network in my house which allows me to transfer files between computers. I have had a look on amazon etc and am absolutely confused as to what I need.  

If anyone else can point me in the direction of what Belkin or netgear thingy I need i'd at last be able to surf the t'internet whilst having a dump  

TIA,

Sean

[Asterix]

Best tip I can give is that, whatever make you end up choosing, ensure that all your wireless connectivity peripherals are the same make.

I use Linksys, just as flaky as the rest, but they're a CISCO group company, which gives me some irrational comfort.

[a4gom]

I have a wireless network in my home and I too wanted to pass files about and wanted to use the same printer for all the p.c.'s, I was told it was easy enough to sort out by one of the IT bods at work, he even ran through it with me but that was 2 years ago, I gave it a go but in the end I gave up.

[bhouse]

Sean -

If you know what you're doing it's very easy. If you don't you can easily end up with a network whose only attribute is that anyone within 200 yards can see everything on your system.

if it's any use there's a PC company in Saffron Walden (only 15 miles south from you) who give great advice and can set up a home network etc. They are called PC Flying Doctors. Their tech chap is a car enthusiast - albeit of teh Japanese Turbo Nutter brigade.

I have no connection with them other than as a satisfied customer of about 12 years!

Brian

[peterg]

At home we have a desktop PC plus up to 4 laptops (both work and 'home' ones) and can access files via the file sharing built into Windows XP (Home edition) plus we can print from any of them to the Canon bubblejet printer that's directly connected to the desktop

We use a Netgear DG834G wireless ADSL modem/router with the desktop connected using Ethernet and all the laptops wirelessly  

[dombanks]

hi its fairly straight forward.

make sure you put some sort of encription onto the wireless, which is usually a feature but you have to turn it on, so only you can use it. my entire house is wireless.

they are all much of a muchness for the kit but from expereince i wouldnt go with a linksys, as i found them to be awkward. the best one i have ever used was a 3com one. it was abot 80 quid and had the easiest user interface set up i have ever used.

what you need is something like the NetGear DG834G Wireless ADSL Modem/Router. or any wirleless adsl modem router

try here

most of them come with an install cd that steps you through the set proceedure but im sure we all here can help

[Lurksalot]

Another   for the Netgear dg834g thingy ,even I could do it  

[Ian Podmore]

I find Netgear stuff easiest as well.

Make sure you update the firmware from the beginnin though, they don't ship with latest versions installed.

[langy]

Thankyou, i'll get myself one of the Netgear dg834g thingy's

Sean

[SparkyB]

Sean if you need a hand setting it up give me a yell.

Mark B

[Hammy]

When you get it all working -do a google on setting up security for your network or take advice E.g :

-change default network name and password.

- password all connecting machines

- use personal firewalls ( set the XP one) on all machines

- think about manually setting IP addresses.

-encyption on

- Paranoi set to maximum ( )

You don't want next doors 14 year old hacking in and storing porn on your machine cus the cops make a mess of your front door when they pop round

[Guest]

I gave up and bought a 4GB USB key For the amount I really need to transfer files this seems easiest.

Sometimes send them to myself and pick up form mail box accessed by all PC's

[markh1970]

You have PM

[Xtreme Kermit]

another vote for the Netgear - mine is sky badged but still works well.

They all seem to need a reboot once a fortnight to get them working reliably though

Are you on cable - or a BT line? This make a difference in what you want. Cable only requires a wireless router/access point. BT line requires one with the DSL gubbins built in. They look the same but have different connections on the back.

If you have a mansion or something built in the 1600s with three feet thick walls, consider a 'mimo' unit which uses multiple bands to improve range.

As above:

change the default network name (SSID)

consider hiding your SSID (this gave me trouble)

turn on WPA encryption (wep sucks)

choose a strong passphrase

allways run with firewalls. only use windoze one if you haven't a third party one with your virus checker software.

Sad hat off....

Ian

[DIY Si]

One other tip, if possible on the netgear router, is to lock the mac address's. This only lets computers you have set up onto the network. Even knowing the password won't let you in that way.