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Wireless Networking Made Easy
-By Shawn �the girl� Murray
It seems that most of the world wants to go wireless. Even your friendly neighborhood Gadget Girl has a wireless network in her house. There�s only one problem; not everybody understands what it is you need to �go wireless.� I�m here to fix that!
Wireless Router: You will plug this into the modem provided by your broadband (cable, DSL, satalite) company. The modem is the device that is directly plugged into your phone or cable line depending on what kind of service you have. The router is what gives off the wireless signal. If you�re afraid of people using your Internet then you need to set up a password. You do this by �logging into� your router. This is accomplished by following the directions in the manual and customer service can walk you through it if you get lost. If you have laptops and desktops (PCs) in your house, I recommend a router with both wired and wireless capabilities.
Receiving the Signal: If you do not have a built in wireless then you need to purchase either a little card that you actually plug into a laptop, or a card (you�ll recognize it because it has an antenna) you will have to install into your PC. These are NOT interchangeable. Anything that requires you to open the laptop case isn�t for the Laptop, or should really be installed by a professional. This is why I recommend both a wire and wireless connection. The only real reason to make a PC wireless is to avoid running cord throughout your house. Otherwise it�s a waste of space and money. Once you�ve installed the wireless cards, then you simply double-click your internet viewer of choice. Your computer will look for a connection and prompt you to put in a password once it finds your in-home signal. Save your password and enjoy.
Common Misconceptions: Easiest way to know which card to buy? Look on the back of the box. A lot of them have little diagrams of an entire network, if it shows cords, don�t buy that one. Also, a dial up connection cannot be wireless (yes, people have asked). Last but not least, your wireless signal will not reach further than your neighbor�s house. For service you can take on the road, talk to a wireless phone company. Some cell phones can be turned into modems with special packs and services.
Well, that�s it for now. This is the Gadget Girl signing off!
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I've got no strings to hold me down! I've got no string on me!
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