I'm in the process of setting up a wireless network between my big desk top PC and a laptop that I've bought (only £50 ;) )  and I think I'm going to scream soon

I've managed to get the PC and laptop working on the net together but can't launch aol for my front end on the PC (I'm on the net but can't view my aol page with all my favourites e-mail etc :( )

I think I've done really well so far, OH has disappeared cos it's all to complicated for his ickle man brain :D :D :D

Now if someone could just explain what a USB flash drive is, I'll be able to finish my network :rolleyes:  My complete Idiot's guide to XP seems to be incomplete in the broadband and wireless department :rolleyes:  is it a dongle that takes info from the PC ? - memory stick that's the word.  Or is it completely different? 

Help - anyone? 

TIA
Dill

You're right - it's a memory stick.

Dill I found the most help for setting up my network using aol was to read the AOL message boards. Are you saying you are connecting to the internet but not using your aol browser?

Yes, my aol browser won't connect, think I'll have to contact aol about this :rolleyes:

I figured that the USB key was the thing needed so just bunged it in and crossed everything :D ('Bunged' is a very advanced computer term, akin to bungee jumping but without the rope ;) )

the good news is both computers are talking :D and both are on the net :D :D  Hope they don't say bad things about me then publish to the web LOL

Anyone want to get networking I'm available for hire haven't a clue what I'm doing but it'll get done anyway

Feeling very pleased with myself at the mo   (that won't last long tho ;) )

GRRRR!!

Spoke too soon there :rolleyes:

Trying to configure the network for file and printer sharing and XP advises NOT to do this as both PC's connect directly to the net ARRRRGGGGHHH  so what's the b*^^%y) point of a wireless network ??   Too late to argue with a computer tonight now, so I'll have a few glasses of ribena and start again in the morning :(

Thanks for the suggestions I'll be using some of them in the morning :)

WOOOO HOOOOO!!! :D :D :D

I've got AOL working anyway, changed some settings and up came my browser etc :D :D

now it's just sorting out file sharing without the net interfering - but tht can wait till morning - or maybe afternoon :) :)

Happier bunny going to bed now - hic!

Wish i was as comp clever as you! :rolleyes:

For security I have an adsl router with wireless networking. That way only the router is exposed to the internet; stops those hackers getting onto your system. If you have broadband it's the best way to go.

Good luck. Puters are such a pain!

Don't forget to encrypt your wireless network or anybody in the immediate area on wireless can search and use your wireless network if you leave it open and they could download things on your connection.

I'm not very computer literate and don't understand the problem with having the wireless network open.  I've recently gone wireless and changed over from pc to laptop and have a lodger who also uses a laptop (his own).  Is this a risk to my e-security and what can the neighbours do if they tap into my connection.

There are three kinds of security people talk about with the wireless. One prevents them from using your connection to the internet. (like hijacking cable TV). That's the security on the wireless network hub. The other security you need keeps people from accessing your computer and files; a firewall will block people's access. You can have a firewall on the wireless hub itself, this is what I was talking about in the post above. You can also have firewall software; XP with service pack 2 comes with it. Many anti-virus packages include it. Then of course there is anti-virus software that prevents people from putting unwanted files on your computer.

Quite a business those hackers have created. As far as neighbours tapping into your wireless, if you have a download limit, there extra usage could push you over that limit. You can only push so much data through the line too so they could slow down your internet connection if they use it at the same time. It is also irritating to pay for a service that they steal for free.

thanks for that lori, I'm still none the wiser what I have in place as I turn into a total bimbo where IT is concerned if it doesn't involve shopping or playing.

OK,

Here's what I've got so far :)

I'm on the net via the wireless router, my laptop also works on the net :)
The router network is encrypted, it's also firewalled :)  I have antivirus on the computer and adaware

So, I can tell XP to stop panicking about invaders taking advantage of my computer :) :)  this was the problem I hit, XP told me dire tales of woe if I tried to switch off the firewall in order to share files and printer with the laptop so being a tad tired I decided to sleep on it and work it out in the morning (or tomorrow as it has turned out :rolleyes: )

Now all I have to worry about is getting the two computers to talk to each other and share files and the printer nicely like good children :D  (I think )  OH! and getting a larger surge protecter pluggy wotsit and a longer telephone cable for the router (they're never long enough and the one I already have doesn't have enough pins in the end connecters :rolleyes: )

I think that's about it really :)  (please tell me if I've forgotten something :rolleyes: )

I'm inordinately pleased with myself :D  I've done all this with only the aid of my trusty XP Idiots guide (which didn't cover any of the stuff for this )

Lori, how can I tell if the router firewall is strong enough to keep out the vikings?  Is there a way of telling ? 

Thanks all of you for your timely information and moral support, OH was useless, he disappeared while I was doing it all and then tried to show me how I could have done it better with the longer cable we already have - which is the wrong type !! :rolleyes:  MEN!!

Dill, you've done really well. :-D First thing you should do with the wireless router is create a password for logging into it if you haven't already done that. Make sure it's not some common language word and it's even better if you mix characters with your letters. Write it down and tape it the router if you want; it's only to protect you from hackers on the internet. Our IT manager at work is the guy who helps me out. His advice was make sure the router had firewall protection enabled and set to block everything coming in (default setting usually), and that the admin password for logging in to the router was put in place. He figures that is safe enough to not have to use XP firewall software. Mine is turned off and I never have any problems. Wireless security is a good idea just to keep people in the neighborhood off of your connection and your network. If your Belkin is fairly new then WPA-PSK is the option to use. Once again pick a password to use at your network key. Your lodger can easily input that key on his wireless network settings. The wizard will even prompt you for it with XP. I have found some very useful advice here. It even had step-by-step instructions for setting up my Belkin with my BT broadband.

I say good on you for trying. The more you blunder through things the more it sticks in your head!

Well I'm not very computer literate either but I was told that if I didn't encrypt my connection that somebody could download childporn on my IP address This really scared me so mine is encrypted now.  I have one desktop which is directly connected to the phoneline and 2 desktops and a laptop that are connected wirelessly but are encrypted now so that only these computers can access our internet.  I have a Belkin router and know how to encrypt that but not too sure if the others are different or not.

You must be doing very well.... I at a complete loss to help you.....I do however have a daddy for all computer stuff and what he can't do I have a boyfriend who's supposedly a wifi expert when his next round I'll see what he says if your not sorted by then!

LOL

Not doing that well actually ;)

Seems I need to speak to support at AOL as my server isn't being found today :rolleyes: wierdly it was working fine for a few hours until 7 pm and then wouldn't work :rolleyes: I've had to go back to broadband via modem again

The router is a Netgear wireless.      I do know someone who had the same problem and they had to contact AOL to get it sorted :rolleyes:

Ho Hum - back to the drawing board!

Netgear is normally very good.  AOL is the biggest problem.  Everything is slighlty "different" from other companies.