wireless home networking

[lou33]

Need mn advice under orders from dh!

We currently have 1 laptop and 2 desktop pcs. Atm we can only run one at a time via usb and an adsl modem to the net. The laptop has wifi installed but the desktops have no wireless capability. Which is the cheapest, simplest way of getting them online all at the same time and talking to each other wirelessly?

Tia

These guys do consulting for wireless networks. I think they're quite affordable and nice.

I have the non wireless version of the netgear hub and LOVE it.

thanks everyone, dh has now bought some stuff from scan, so it shuld be with us middle of next week.

Does anyone know what a MAC CODE is and where to find it?

Thanks

would this help?

Thanks lou it does but I need to find out how to find my own one on my computer

Eg Start, control panel, ..................

Where is it?

RTKanga,

You can find your MAC address in different places, depending on what operating system you are running (Windows 95 / 98 / NT / 2000), Mac OS X etc. etc.

Despite being rather clued up on it, I gave up on Windows a year or so ago, moved to an Apple Mac and haven't regretted it for a second. I might start a computer thread on just this topic...

Anyway, I googled a phrase for you 'how do I find my MAC address on Windows XP' (guessing that you have a newish computer) and that page tells you exactly where to look.

done it thanks

Pleasure.

BTW, if any other MNers come to this thread when searching for info on wireless networks, you may want to take the trouble to make sure your wireless network at home is properly secure ('locked down').

In rough terms, locking down your network means people can't use your Internet connection, or browse computers in your house by using the wireless network.

Whilst you want to allow your computers on, and maybe friends' laptops etc. you possibly don't want neighbours / passers-by etc. being able to piggy back onto your connection !

Locking down often involves:

• Changing the default router username and password
• Choosing to not broadcast the wireless network name
• Encrypting your wireless data - requiring a password from someone who knows the wireless network name

Unfortunately, exact instructions to do this vary between different pieces of equipment, so I can't tell you what you will need to do.

There's loads of 'beginners guides to securing wireless networks' on the Net, but it is often easiest to simply download the user guide from your equipment manufacturer.