The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    A few wireless suggestions for a newbie please?

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by jparker0201, Mar 16, 2006.

  1. jparker0201

    jparker0201 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    108
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I just got a new laptop and I'm wondering how should I go about setting up my wireless internet? I have no desktop. Should I first plug my laptop up to the router and run the installation CD and then unhook it and see if it detects the connection? Or should I just plug everything in and if it detects it then go about configuring it or what? I do know how to get to configuration by going into internet explorer 192.168.1.1 but can I still do that if my laptop is not directly connected to the router? I appreciate the help from everyone. Also, what kind of security options should I enable/disable?

    Thanks.
     
    jparker0201, Mar 16, 2006
    #1
  2. nathanhuth

    nathanhuth Notebook Evangelist NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    117
    Messages:
    592
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Let's start off with the basics, which router do you have?
     
    nathanhuth, Mar 17, 2006
    #2
  3. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,532
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    55
    When you install the router (inserting the cd) it walks you through each setup, and what to do. Believe me, it goes over everything. (Plugging cords into your computer, disconnecting cords, etc.)

    What router brand do you plan on buying?
     
    nickspohn, Mar 17, 2006
    #3
  4. jparker0201

    jparker0201 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    108
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I bought the Linksys WRT54g. Some friends of mine have Netgear routers but not all have been pleased with their performance. So thats why I decided to go with Linksys. I also don't mind playing with things until they are just right.

    As far as the instalation cd with the laptop...Hook the computer to the router via the ethernet cable and run it or just pop the cd and run it without the cable?
     
    jparker0201, Mar 17, 2006
    #4
  5. lmychajluk

    lmychajluk Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    31
    Messages:
    595
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    If you're not too familiar with setting up the router, do it exaclty as you said (there should've been a quick setup guide in the box with the router with these basic steps). The CD setup program will take you thorugh all the options.

    If you're a little more adventurous (read - Willing to open the manual), throw away the CD (after you find the PDF of the manual on it and copy it), connect the router over the wire, and hit http://192.168.1.1 and configure all the settings manually.
     
    lmychajluk, Mar 17, 2006
    #5
  6. nickspohn

    nickspohn Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    1,532
    Messages:
    2,742
    Likes Received:
    20
    Trophy Points:
    55
    The installation cd makes it very clear on what to do and what not ;)
     
    nickspohn, Mar 17, 2006
    #6