If you are considering adding a wireless router to expand your computer network, and think you'll need to hire a computer expert to do it for you, save your money. It's so simple a child could do it. Perhaps that's not the best example, since children already know more about computers than most adults. But it really is simple.
I bought a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router (Model No WRT54G) today at OfficeMax. I went with Linksys at the recommendation of the Comcast technician who installed my cable system. And also because Linksys is a division of Cisco Systems -- a name that I'm already familiar with. Another reason is that the diagram on the package gave an indication of just how simple it would be to set it up.
The first thing you do is insert the setup CD into your computer. The on-screen diagrams show you step by step exactly what to do. You can't make a mistake.
After installing the power cord, you connect your modem (white cord) to the wireless router. Then connect the wireless router (blue cord) to your computer. The software does the rest. Just sit back.
There are a few decisions it will ask you to make, such as how secure do you want your network. I chose to have high security so that I'm not worried about someone outside tapping in to my network. It will automatically generate an encryption key, so that if anyone wants to use your wireless network, they will have to know the 24-digit encryption key. In my business as a notary signing agent, I have to not only safeguard my information, but also safeguard the information that I receive from the title companies with whom I work.
Once the setup is completed the software will test your internet connection. That's it.
The next step was adding my laptop computer to the wireless network. This too was very simple. Just click on the 'Actions' tab:
I had a choice of either transferring the wireless configuration information using a cord from the main computer to the laptop, or with the use of a USB flash drive. I chose to use the flash drive. It seemed simpler. And it was. The diagrams show you exactly what to do. Just plug the flash drive into the main computer. The wireless network program gets copied to the flash drive. Then remove the flash drive and plug it into the USB port on the laptop computer. Click on the program that was installed on the flash drive. It transfers all of the information from the main computer to the laptop computer. Voila. The laptop computer has a wireless connection to the internet.
I also configured my Palm T|X so that I can access the internet using the wireless router. I was even able to log on to ActiveRain from my PDA.
It seems that there is no limit to the number of computers that can be connected to it -- either wireless or with the use of a cable.
So that's it. Setting up a wireless network is so simple, it's child's play.
Good luck.
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