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wireless home network for home?

MikeOK

Monkey
Nov 29, 2002
118
0
twelve
Hello. I need to set up a wireless network at my house. I'll be getting DSL and will have to spring for the modem that they provide. I need the best way to set this up, will appreciate any tips.

Here's what I got:

-Desktop: Sony VAIO, Win XP Home SP2 with 10/100 ethernet card.
-Gateway Notebook, Win XP Home SP2 with Intel 802.11g wireless and 10/100 ethernet

Thank you very much...
 

Silver

find me a tampon
Jul 20, 2002
10,840
1
Orange County, CA
You can either share the connection or get a router. The router is probably going to be easier, and you won't need to have both computers on. I've got a Linksys WRT54G that just keeps on humming along...I'd go for something like that. It's amazing how cheap they are now.
 

$tinkle

Expert on blowing
Feb 12, 2003
14,591
6
mind the wardrivers (especially in apts/dorms).

ok silver: i find out today we both have a bullit and a linksys router? You got a cat names pickles, too?
 

binary visions

The voice of reason
Jun 13, 2002
22,092
1,132
NC
Linksys wireless setup is the best way to go. www.newegg.com always has good prices.

Honestly, you don't need any help from any of us. The DSL documentation will walk you through the install of the DSL modem, and the Linksys documentation that comes with their router will have you up and humming in no time at all.

I have my DSL setup with a Linksys router and didn't need the documentation since I've done it before, but I did go through and read all of it before recommending it to a friend who is computer illiterate. It's got step-by-step instructions complete with pictures - your hick cousin who ain't never seen one of these dang ol' computer-doohickies could still manage to set it up.

The Linksys website is absolutely overflowing with useful information if you get stuck or are looking to make improvements.
 

H8R

Cranky Pants
Nov 10, 2004
13,959
35
This one rocks:
D-link DI-624 - $47.00 after rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-028&depa=0

You will need a wireless PCI adapter for your desktop if you want the whole thing wireless:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-118&depa=0


Notes:

There basically are two speeds for the 802.11g standard, 54mbps and 108mbps. What does this mean for DSL? Nothing. 54mbps is WAY faster than any DSL connection (usually 1.5 - 3 mbps)

Get the 108mbps router and card I linked to above only if sharing files over your network is important to you. (like dumping big files from desktop to desktop and vice versa). Your laptop probably has 54mbps, so uh, yeah.

If all your doing is internet stuff, and the link between tha comps can be slower, you can save a little cash by getting the 54mbps flavors:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-143&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-127-145&depa=0

I have the DI-524, and it's great. Very easy to setup. I even set it up to filter my kids connection (shuts down in the evening). The D-link rebates show up pretty quick, only 2-3 weeks.

Good luck.
 

MikeOK

Monkey
Nov 29, 2002
118
0
twelve
Thanks guys. 2 of us here are into CG, so moving big files will happen on occasion, but will mostly be for internet purposes. Right now I only have the two machines to network but we have 4 in the house of varying degrees of network-worthyness. I guess that means we'll likely have 3 total at some point in the future. No more than that, the little knotheads really enjoy all my free tech support but I do have my limits ;)
 

MikeOK

Monkey
Nov 29, 2002
118
0
twelve
Well it's up and working. I'm on my laptop downstairs and all the doo-hickeys are upstairs out of the way. You guys are right, it was way too easy. I mean WAY too easy. I should have done this a long time ago.

Thanks for the tips...