Posted by best buy on Feb 15, 2012 in
Tips and Technic
Wireless networks are getting more popular as more days go by. They are easy to install and practical to use when it comes to surfing the World Wide Web from anywhere inside the house. This is why wireless networks are attractive in the eyes of internet users. It is fairly easy to set up a wireless network; however, you have to know several simple things before trying to begin your setup. To get better understandings of wireless networks, you can read on protocols of wireless networking.
To set up your wireless network, you would require a broadband online connection with either a DSL modem or cable. Usually, the regular home setup involves a desktop computer that is directly plugged into a modem. If you are reading this, we can presume that you already own a laptop which you wish to wirelessly connect to a personal computer which has an internet connection. You will require some hardware to do this, such as a wireless router, a wireless USB network adapter for your desktop computer and a card-based personal computer network adapter for the laptop. Obviously, it would be recommended to opt for the same vendor as any extra hardware that you purchase. Refer to documentations that come with the hardware for any process of installation.
Tablet Netbook
After installing all of the required hardware, you can start with the setup. First of all, you have to turn off or unplug your DSL modem before connecting your wireless router onto the modem. If you need help, simply check your hardware’s documentation. After this has been set up, your computer is going to connect to the router wirelessly. Next, you have to configure the wireless router. You can use Internet Explorer to go to the configuration page of your router.
The majority of default settings are safer to be left alone; however, there are several things that will need configuring. You have to choose a one-of-a-kind SSID or name for your wireless network, which will also be your network’s name. Ensure that nobody near you is making use of the exact same name. Next, if the router needs it, provide a one-of-a-kind passcode which it will put to use in order to generate several keys. The last thing to do before finishing your router configuration would be to set an administrative password. Pick a password which is long and hard to guess for security purposes. Ensure that you save each configured setting. Actual steps that are involved with setting configuration may vary, depending on your type of router.
Next, configure the network adapter of your laptop. It is quite easy to follow the on-screen instructions on Window’s XP when it comes to this. Right-click on the wireless network icon within your taskbar and go to “View Available Wireless Networks” after the menu appears. The window of Wireless Network Connections will show up. Here, you should see your chosen name listed for the wireless network. Click on “Refresh network list”, if the network does not appear. After that, you will be asked to enter a key as you have written down within the key boxes of Confirm network key. Choose Connect. Then, you will see the progress of your connection while it connects to the network. Once you are connected, feel free to close this window. Your wireless connection is now set up.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Setting Up a Wireless Network
Tags: Network, Network Wireless, Setting, Setting Network, StepByStep, Wireless
Posted by best buy on Jan 17, 2012 in
Tips and Technic
Here’s what you need to know (and do) to connect your laptop to a wireless network and get Internet access.
First off, let’s talk common sense. Before you access any wireless network, especially one in a public place, you must have anti-virus software installed and up-to-date on your laptop. Your laptop should also be current with all Windows Operating System Updates.
Tablet Netbook
That said, the next thing you need is to have a laptop with wireless networking capabilities. If you’re not sure whether yours does, do the following to check it out:
Click on Start | Connect To | Show all connections, or
Click on Start | Settings | (Control Panel) | Network Connections
Under “LAN or High-Speed Internet” you should see a wireless connection icon. (If not, see below about installing a wireless network card).
Assuming you have wireless capabilities, continue on doing the following:
Right-click on the wireless connection icon.
In the pop-up menu, select “View Available Wireless Networks.”
In the “Wireless Networking Connection” window, click on the appropriate wireless network.
Check the box that says “Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network.”
An icon in the lower right hand corner of your desktop should eventually appear stating that you are connected.
Open your browser and visit any website you want. If authentication is required on the wireless network, you will be redirected automatically to a login page where you’ll have to log in using an approved Network User Name/ID and the correct password.
That’s all it takes.
Note: If your laptop does not already have built-in wireless networking, you will need to purchase and install, or have installed, a Wireless Networking Card. There are many brands of wireless networking cards. Just make sure you buy a card that is 802.11b or 802.11g compatible. Linksys cards are an excellent choice and I recommend them highly. If you choose another brand, be certain that the card is WiFi Certified. (For a list of 802.11b and 802.11g certified cards, please visit the WiFi Alliance website.)
How To Configure Wireless Internet Access For Your Laptop
Tags: Access, Configure, Configure Access, Internet, Laptop, Wireless, Wireless Access
Posted by best buy on Jan 15, 2012 in
Tips and Technic
Using a wireless router makes computing life much more enjoyable. Why confine yourself to work on the computer in the same location you took it out of the box? Setting up a wireless router is easy and allows you the freedom to access the Internet, files, printers, plus much more, from virtually any location in your house or yard. Before you shake your head about setting up a wireless router on your own, trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
Here are some simple steps for setting up your wireless router.
Tablet Netbook
Select the correct wireless router for your needs.
If you walk into your nearest Best Buy or other computer store, you will see they have a wide variety of routers available. There are basically (3) wireless networking technologies on the market today; 802.11a, 802.11b, and 801.22g. So what are the differences between these wireless technologies?
802.11a wireless protocol is the oldest version of wireless networking technologies currently available. While you may find 802.11a wireless hardware at discounted prices, I would strongly urge you to avoid them. 802.11a is limited in range and capacity versus 802.11b and 802.11g. So why set up your first wireless network with the oldest technology.
802.11b wireless protocol (11Mbs) is by far the most common wireless technology in use today. If you select this wireless protocol, you will be fine. But why not start with the latest and greatest wireless protocol currently available?
802.11g is the best wireless technology on the market and all new computers with built-in wireless cards utilize this protocol. 802.11b wireless protocol was superceded by backwards compatible 802.11g (54Mbs). What this means is that if you have an 802.11b card on some of your computing devices, you can use an 802.11g wireless router without the need to replace your wireless card. If you have the option, I would strongly recommend purchasing 802.11g cards for your computers as well to get the maximum benefits of this wireless network technology.
Connecting your wireless router
Before starting, be sure you have a paper copy of all instructions or the router manual in front of you. Sounds simple, I know, but you would be surprised how many people neglect this basic step. Ok, let’s get started!
The first step will be to power down your DSL or cable modem. This will be accomplished by unplugging the devices from the electrical outlets.
Next, connect the wireless router to your modem. I would recommend keeping the distance between the router and modem as close as possible. I have both modem and wireless router setting side by side on my desk.
Included with the wireless router, you should have a short cable. This is your network cable. Plug the network cable into the wireless router in the port labeled INTERNET, WAN OR WLAN. This designation varies depending on the brand of wireless router you purchased. It does not matter which end of the network cable you connect to the router, since the same type of connector is used on both ends.
Once you have connected the network cable to your wireless router, connect the other end of the cable into your modem. Your modem will only have one port available. You will hear a “click” when a secure connection has been established.
You can now re-insert the cable which provides your Internet access back into your DSL or cable modem.
At this point, you will want to power up your modem. The modem should always be powered up first. Allow a few moments for the Internet connection to synchronize with the modem.
It is now time to configure your wireless router. Temporarily disconnect the network cable from the router and modem. Once you have completed this, connect the network cable to any port on the wireless router not labeled as INTERNET, WAN OR WLAN. You will probably have at least 4 open ports; any one will do. Next, connect the other end of the network cable to your computer. This may seem confusing, however, you need a direct connection between the router and computer to permit configuration.
On your computer, open up an Internet browser and enter the address which corresponds to your specific make of wireless router.
ROUTER ADDRESS USERNAME PASSWORD
3Com 192.168.1.1 admin admin
D-Link 192.168.0.1 admin
Linksys 192.168.1.1 admin admin
Microsoft Broadband 192.168.2.1 admin admin
Netgear 192.168.0.1 admin password
Once you have entered the address into your browser, you will be prompted to enter a username and password. Reference the chart for your respective information. While in the configuration mode, you will have the option to change your password, which I strongly suggest.
Next, you will need to set your network id or SSID. This name does not have to be lengthy, but choose something that is unique and but easy enough for you to remember.
Protecting your network. You will also have the option to either secure your network or leave it “open”. By leaving your network “open”, anyone within range of your wireless router signal will be able to access your network. If you live in a location in a development or apartment, there is a good chance someone will be riding your network..using your Internet access for free and degrading your access quality. It is a good rule of thumb to secure access to networks and computers whenever possible.
To secure your network, select the WEP tab or option. WEP stands for Wireless Encryption. You will be prompted to enter a password or passphrase. We have already addressed changing your administrator password from the default, so let’s move on. Be sure to select Apply or OK after making your selections.
Disconnect the network cable from your computer, and reconnect as before. One end of the network cable goes into the port on the wireless router marked INTERNET, WAN, or WLAN, and the other end connects to your DSL or cable modem.
After a few brief moments, an icon should appear on your desktop alerting you a wireless network has been detected. Right click on the icon and select “View Available Wireless Networks”.
If you do not see your network, click on the Refresh button from the menu. Once your network is visible, click on it.
If you have WEP protected your wireless network, you will be prompted to enter your password or passphrase. If you have chosen to leave your network unprotected, you will be cautioned that you are attempting to access an unsecured network. Select your network and press “Connect”.
Article written by LSG at Lilsurfergirl.com [http://lilsurfergirl.com/2007/11/08/choosing-the-right-laptop/]
Setting Up A Wireless Router
Tags: Router, Setting, Setting Wireless, Wireless, Wireless Router
Posted by best buy on Jan 6, 2012 in
Tips and Technic
Wow, wireless networks and netbooks seem to be the hot topic at the moment with more and more enquiries for the potential of mobile computer based teaching through a school wireless LAN.
So where do you start when it comes to choosing the perfect combination of school wireless LAN and netbook combination? With regard to the school wireless LAN solution, we believe that a leading solution for a fast, reliable and affordable school infrastructure, is Meru Networks.
Tablet Netbook
Meru Networks has been at the forefront of technology for a school wireless LAN for some time and provide solutions for both 802.11g and 802.11n networks. Meru Wireless Networks set themselves apart from much of the competition by providing a single channel solution to the otherwise complex issue of channel planning a school wireless infrastructure.
The Meru “Air Traffic Control” system means that all wireless clients have time to send their message on the school wireless LAN with excellent network efficiency. This results in 99% of data getting sent or received the first time.
What this means for your school wireless LAN? Meru wireless networks are easily installed, easily scaled and fast infrastructure to rival a wired network. Less waiting to log on; less frustration at lost connection or slow speeds; all leads to both teachers and students enjoying and making the most out of what a school wireless LAN can offer. For more on Meru see our wireless for education page.
Netbooks for Education
So you’ve chosen your school wireless LAN and now to the choice of which wireless devices to give the students? Of course there are a wide range of laptops for education but if you have decided greater portability (or maybe lack of available budget) of netbooks is the way to go then you have a wide choice.
The range of netbooks for education is currently very crowded with most of the leading computer manufacturers, including Toshiba, ASUS, Samsung, Dell, MSI, etc, all competing for this sector. Despite so many manufacturers competing with their netbook designs, the current range all tend to have very similar specifications.
Most of the current range of netbooks offer from an 8.9″ to a 10.1″ screen, an Intel Atom N270 (1.6GHz) processor, sufficient RAM, 160GB of storage and the usual USB ports, SD card slots and VGA connection for projectors or monitors.
Possibly the main areas to consider when choosing a fleet of netbooks for education is the WiFi. If you’ve just invested in a fast 802.11n school wireless LAN system, you won’t want to go and buy a netbook that offers the slower 802.11g standard. The difference between g and n wireless speeds is significant with n being the new standard for the foreseeable future, so buy carefully. Whereas n enabled netbooks were in the next price bracket a few months ago, examples now such as the Samsung N130 offer fast WiFi at a very affordable price.
Also consider battery life for the day-to-day use of netbooks for education. Here investment in a netbook that can offer all day use between charging will make a big difference to the amount of teaching time they are effective for and save more trips back to the storage trolley!.
So what are the pro’s and con’s of Netbooks for education?
Netbooks for Education – Pro’s
o Up to half the price of laptops so more mobile devices for your budget
o Now available with 802.11n fast WiFi
o Long battery life versions now available
o Store more machines per charging trolley
o Light-weight for students to carry about
o Can be carried inside any bag so less of a visible threat for theft
o Because they are small they don’t fill desk space leaving room for text books
o Quick boot up times
Netbooks for Education – Con’s
o Older students or adults may find a smaller keyboard harder to use
o Netbooks do not have DVD drives (though you can connect external devices via USB)
o Cheaper netbooks may lack longer battery life
o Smaller screens may make some applications harder to use
Netbooks For Education and School Wireless LANs
Tags: Education, Education Wireless, Netbooks, School, School Netbooks, Wireless