Posted: 5/9/2009 6:32:50 PM EDT
I think it's time to make the move to wireless. The wife is complaining that I spend too much time "in the other room" (i.e., on the computer, instead of pretending to watch some lame TV show). I figure if I have a laptop that I can use to surf arfcom while sitting on the couch next to her (& pretending to watch some lame TV show  ), that should end that particular problem.
I figure I'll need to go wireless to make this work, but I know less than nothing about wireless internet. I'm going shopping for a laptop next week. From what I've seen on my last visit to Best Buy, pretty much any new (non-Mac) computer is going to use Vista; all appear to be wireless-capable. I'm keeping the desktop (which uses XP) for her use –– her idea. Question #1 Any advantage to keeping it hard-wired to the DSL connection, or should I make it a wireless connection, too? Question #2 What kind of range should I expect from a wireless router? I'll want to use it upstairs and downstairs, and occasionally maybe on the front porch. House dimensions are about 30' x 50'. Question #3 How can I keep my info safe from hackers with their own wireless internet devices? Thank you. |
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The 802.11g spec should be fine for what you need. The sales creep might try to push 802.11n on you but it's not finalized and you won't get much from it. (802.11a and 802.11b are old. They work fine, but there is no reason to not get g) Question #1 Any advantage to keeping it hard-wired to the DSL connection, or should I make it a wireless connection, too? It is simpler, more reliable and won't contest with any other wireless devices (not likely unless there are many other devices close by doing a lot of talking, which is not likely in your case as you are in a house and not an apartment or office building or other area densely populated with wifi clients) Question #2 What kind of range should I expect from a wireless router? I'll want to use it upstairs and downstairs, and occasionally maybe on the front porch. House dimensions are about 30' x 50'. With 802.11g, ~100m with no radio interference or structural obstructions. So... It depends on transmission power, interference from other electrical devices and what your house is made of. Question #3 How can I keep my info safe from hackers with their own wireless internet devices? Turn off computers. You want to use WPA2 encryption. Or you can just fucking use Google. http://lmgtfy.com/?q=wireless+range |
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1. since it sounds like that desktop is right next to the cable/ dsl box i would just leave it hardwired.
2. range depends on ALOT in your house. some houses work GREAT, others don't. here is a router i've been using recently and it works great link 3. as the above poster said. encryption. the manual will show you how to set it up. |
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Quoted: I think it's time to make the move to wireless. The wife is complaining that I spend too much time "in the other room" (i.e., on the computer, instead of pretending to watch some lame TV show). FYI even using a wireless laptop while sitting next to her she will complain you're not talking to her/paying her attention. Just a heads-up from one who's BTDT
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