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Am considering getting a wireless router for my desktop so I can move the computer to any location without the fuss of that coax, plus ability to use other wirelsss devices.
Not being familiar with tbis technology, what should I look at when shopping? Any recommendations? Currently using a Netgear router which has worked well. Thanks.
You will need a wireless router and a wireless card for the desktop (either PCI or USB).
There are 4 standards available, A,B,G,N
G or N are you best choices. N isn't "official" yet, so I would stick with G.
There are a ton of manufactures that make routers and wireless cards, everyone has an opinion as to which works best. Netgear and Linksys are both popular.
Try to get a wireless router and wireless card made by the same vendor to eliminate any chance of incompatibility.
To recap, you need to buy:
1x Wirelss G router (Linksys, Netgear, or D-Link brand)
1x Wireless adapter (USB or PCI)-Ryan Adams
http://RyanTAdams.com
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Thanks RTAdams, that was quite helpful. I will be doing some browsing to find both a router and card. Your information should make that a bit easier. Appreciate it.
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On that note, don't "rent" or buy from your ISP. They give out low end equipment, and you end up paying more.
On the same note, when you get the router, there will be instructions on how to set it up (something like "open a browser and go to http://192.168.1.1"). In this configuration there are two things you REALLY should do. The first is called MAC cloning. Turn this on and "clone" your computer MAC address. You will also want to turn on wireless security (WPA is the best, but anything is better than nothing). If you need help with either of those items, feel free to PM me.
-Ryan Adams
http://RyanTAdams.com
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Ryan, if I replace the supplied cable modem with my own, what am I looking for when searching, say on Newegg? I started looking but got lost. ;) And whatever I get, will it work regardless of who my ISP may be?
Once I have the new hardware, hands on works better for me. Thnnks.
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You probably don't need to get a new cable modem. The one you have will connect to your router just fine. If you do want t get a new one, Linksys makes one and so does Motorola, both of which are good/popular. Here are links:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...I'm a Linksys guy myself, so for the router I would get this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ... That router is a little pricey, but works well and will also allow you to flash it with 3rd party firmware (which means in the future, you can turn your router in to a high end, "nothing it can't do", router for free).
For the wireless card to put in your computer, this would work: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...
-Ryan Adams
http://RyanTAdams.com
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I'm with Adams. Only, I'd either go to Wal-Mart and purchase the router (they should have it in stock), or buy one off of eBay. I'm all for saving money whenever possible.
Life's more painless for the brainless.
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