Posted By: TuesdayNext
Wireless networks - 01/20/06 01:33 AM
I bought a D-Link wireless router so that I could set up a wireless home network for my PCs that are not close enough to my dsl modem. The setup is pretty simple - plug the blue wire here and the grey wire there, etc. I tried for about two days trying to get this thing to work. There's setup software (instructional - it didn't download anything) to explain everything step by step. Once everything is hooked up the router goes through some tests, the last of which is getting an internet connection - which I could never get to happen. Finally, I called their tech support and the guy went through numerous procedures to try to get it to work - after about 45 min. he told me that the problem was with the modem and to call my DSL provider. I took it back instead.
Anyway - haven't even gotten to the question yet! - I was at Best Buy today looking at routers and the salesperson recommended LinkSys (which I've had good luck with before). It was actually the cheapest one so she wasn't recommending it for the $$. Now here's the whole point of this... She told me that nowireless network router or wireless network software will protect all the computers/laptops on that system. She said that anyone driving by with a laptop could tap into my signal and download whatever info they wanted. She said that (and here's the sale's pitch) the Best Buy geeks will come to my home ($159 for the setup and $50 each additional computer) and use some kind of encryption to secure the network. Does anyone know if this is necessary? If not, how does someone protect their wireless network from intruders and other baddies?
tuesday next
Anyway - haven't even gotten to the question yet! - I was at Best Buy today looking at routers and the salesperson recommended LinkSys (which I've had good luck with before). It was actually the cheapest one so she wasn't recommending it for the $$. Now here's the whole point of this... She told me that nowireless network router or wireless network software will protect all the computers/laptops on that system. She said that anyone driving by with a laptop could tap into my signal and download whatever info they wanted. She said that (and here's the sale's pitch) the Best Buy geeks will come to my home ($159 for the setup and $50 each additional computer) and use some kind of encryption to secure the network. Does anyone know if this is necessary? If not, how does someone protect their wireless network from intruders and other baddies?
tuesday next