How does the wireless network thingy work?

CNET ^ | 3/31/06

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

3/31/06 How does the wireless network thingy work? Question:

I've heard a lot lately about using wireless routers to connect multiple computers at home. I want to connect my son's computer with my two others so that we can share a printer and Internet access. Can this be done? The three computers run Windows XP Home Edition. Two have 512MB of RAM and one has 256MB. We already have DSL hooked up to one system. How does the wireless thingy work, and where do I begin? How much can I expect to spend? Thanks.

Submitted by: Anne B. of Boulder, Colorado

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Answer:

Home wireless networks are a great way to connect multiple computers to each other to share Internet connections, printers, and files. In many cases you can install and set up a simple working wireless network in about 30 minutes. As soon as you add file and print sharing, you could be at it for an hour or two, and longer if you run into problems. Since you have all Windows XP computers, you should be in good shape to get this up and running without too many problems. I am also assuming that all of your computers are in good working order and not infected with viruses and spyware. You hear many horror stories of wireless problems, most of which could have been prevented with a little planning and forethought. Since you neglected to tell us whether these are desktop or laptop computers, I will assume you have all desktop computers.

[digger48]

[cripplecreek]

We love our router.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

I made some nice dovetails with my router, but I don't love it, But I do love my band saw.:)

[cripplecreek]

I love my bandsaw as well. LOL

[martin_fierro]

Ping.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I once mowed down a half dozen lawn flamingos with a shotgun.

[jdm]

If you turn it 90 degrees (clockwise) looks a little like the witch from the Wizard of Oz.

[demlosers]

I am also assuming that all of your computers are in good working order and not infected with viruses and spyware. You hear many horror stories of wireless problems, most of which could have been prevented with a little planning and forethought.

Firewall Protection	Enable	Disable
Filter Proxy	Enable	Disable
Filter Cookies	Enable	Disable
Filter Java Applets	Enable	Disable
Filter ActiveX	Enable	Disable
Filter Popup Windows	Enable	Disable
Filter Multicast	Enable	Disable
Block Fragmented IP Packets	Enable	Disable
PortScan Alert	Enable	Disable

Block WAN Requests

Block Anonymous Internet Requests (for example, block a "ping" from the WAN)

Enable

Disable