The Best Buy 'geek squad' is probably the worst option. I would suggest going to your cable or phone company and discuss 'bundling' services. Not only can you save money and get a single bill, but you may be able to work out deals on equipment and instillation (if necessary) if you purchase all the products from one source.
I have broadband cable and Internet and I am not spending even close to $200. The wireless system can handle at least 4 computers. My neighbors probably use my service for free and that is OK with me.
Start here:
http://www.dslreports.com/search
punch in either your home landlide phone and or zip code, and you’ll get a range of services available.
You might be able to find a local tech to run a line if you are intimidated, it’s usually a cheapo Radioshack weekend project, alternatively you can buy a wireless router and wireless card for the one pc.
A lot of things pop up here. I don’t have an itemized list of what you are spending $200.00/mo on. You need to clearly and concisely write down what you have, how it is connected, what it costs and what you want your systems do and how. You may/may not get good help from your Best Buy/Circuit City/Radio Shack salesperson but it don’t hurt to try. I would try Radio Shack first. But you still need a list that explains who,what,where and how.
OpenDNS.com has free adult content filtering that you can install on your router.
Where do you live? State and city!
I would suggest the following:
1) Install a wireless router directly connected to your broadband connection (whether DSL or cable). This router will act as a firewall and help protect from the internet bad guys.
2) Add wireless via USB to each of the distant computers to conect them to the internet.
3) Put NetNanny type software on your kids computers directly. Don’t try to route everything through one filtering box.
4) Make sure you encrypt the wireless link.
This is how I setup a friend of mine who was a computer newbie.
Oof. Ummm... No.
Ask around for a recommendation for a really good local computer builder/ computer tech. The really good ones hang out their own shingle, and won't be found in the eek squad (that was a pun, not a typo).
A one-horse guy will be reasonably well rounded, capable of running wire, working on the boxes, setting up security, etc, and will be able to advise you as to what telecom services you really need.
Anyway #4 is the correct answer.
You need a wireless router connected to a broadband Internet connection. You can put filtering on the router (depending on which router you get) or use computer-based software like Net Nanny on the kid's computer. It will be a one-time expense of $35-$100 for the router, $40 or so for the filtering software, and a monthly recurring charge of $25-$45 for the broadband Internet connection.
I don't know the answer to your other questions but that one is easy. (NO).
I have broadband cable and a wireless router hooked up to it. It works great, and we can have up to 5 laptops accessing the internet with no problems. It’s a home internet cafe.
I also have this kind of system in our summer home. One router went in with no problems. With the other one, the “installation” CD didn’t work properly, and I had to get a geek to help me get it up and running.
Put an ad on craigslist.com or hire somone off the site.
I, too, live in Maine.Am an elderly computer illiterate. Talked with my internet provider, they recommended a router, helped me connect it via telephone and I pay 29.95 by signing up for a year with payments deducted from my checking account. My daughter and grandson who live on either side of me can get my signal. (don’t know if this is legal, but noone has said it isn’t). Have broadband which is very fast compared to dial-up which I had two years ago.
My husband does this kind of work. I would look in your local phone book for a local guy/gal that does computer work for a living. They’ll probably give you the best service and the most for your dollar.
Husband does this kind of thing all the time. Check their credentials, though. Make sure they’re an MCSE or the equivalent on the MAC side, and ask about their education and work experience.
I’d stay away from the big box places, too. Good Luck!
Whole house HD DVR, phone, internet super fast.
Hook up one computer and then get a wireless router and wireless cards for all the other computers with lock outs on the kid's computer.
Click here to see if you can get it and learn more.
No. I don't work for them.
P.S. They also have a promotion on for a free HDTV.
bump