Port of Tilbury-Police Constable

[sambo2006 0]

Got a new BT wireless router, it is connected via lead to 1st PC terminal; it then links wirelessly to a laptop. I also want it to send a wireless signal to another desktop PC, instructions consist of fitting a little card/receiver to back of the computer tower, can anyone offer any advice as to how I might go about doing this. Thanks

[Penbwlch 810]

You need an adapter that fits to your PC. These can take different forms depending on the bus facilities on your PC but the normal sort will go into an expansion slot inside the computer, with the aerial sticking out the rear of the PC. You can get expansion cards for laptops and even an adapter which just plugs into a USB port.

Have a look at the relevant page at Komplett (a very good company to do business with).

Once the adapter is fitted to the PC, return to the router instructions to enable it to communicate with that PC.

I presume it is impossible to wire to the PC? A wired connection is much better, and faster, than wireless.

[M&MBM 598]

Hubby technohero agrees. We personally use USB for the kids' machines. But be aware that you are broadcasting and it is possible for neighbours to pick up the signal, and join in your network on your system if you don't encrypt.

 

At one time we got a better connection to our neighbours than the kids' machines. Fortunately the neighbours were encrypted.

[Stan Still 1]

Lots of ways to do this.

You can get a PCI card to fit into your tower. This involves taking the cover off the machine and fitting the card into a spare slot on your motherboard. Quite straightforward.

Even easier is to get a USB wireless receiver. Install the necessary software, plug the receiver into a spare USB port and away you go.

For a desktop, I recommend the PCI version. I've found that a lot of the USB receivers have drivers that fail the XP Driver Signing test on installation and they can cause lots of problems with functions such as Hibernate and Standby.

Make sure that you activate security on your router, to prevent others from using your internet connection. This is particularly important if you have a monthly download limit. It would be very frustrating to find that your neighbour had used it all up when downloading music through your connection!

Once you have all your computers linked up, make sure they are all in the same workgroup (Assuming you use WinXP. Right click on the My Computer icon on your desktop, then click the Computer Name tab - change it from MSHOME to something unique, again to avoid others getting access to your files)

[Penbwlch 810]

Most routers should have the ability to lock out new users (mine does, anyway). This means that you enable the computers you want and prevent access to the rest of the world. This is basic security and stops someone in the street outside using your network to download (say) kiddie porn, or installing viruses on your computer, or copying important data (bank details, etc) for later decrypting. The encryption that most people use is always decipherable. It is just a matter of time.

 

[M&MBM 598]

Agreed. Our router doesn't transmit its ID. I doubt if the neighbours would spend hours on the decryption, but that vulnerability is there I suppose.

 

(I used the kiddie porn scenario in Novel 3. )

[M&MBM 598]

(The usb stick is a wonderful disciplinary device for kids. Untidy room? No internet )

[sambo2006 0]

Fantastic info guys (and girls), i had ensured that the connection was 'protected'. I took the cover off of the tower and took two steps back (never been inside one)- cant find where the little chip goes so i think that I need a USB connector thing- will consult that website recommended by Pen. Cheers for all your suggestions. I too have found a neighbours wireless signal, unprotected- being a good citizen I told them and they have reviewed its security. Thanks again.