General questions about Wireless Networking

[anarchy506]

hey guys

I'm a newbie at this whole wireless networking stuff, so I have a few general questions about it.

I am thinking of getting a wirless router for my home to connect my desktop pc and my laptop together. Right now I have my dsl modem hooked up to my desktop pc, so my first question is if I get this wireless connection and I am using my laptop, would I have to keep my desktop pc on?

Second of all I live in a attatched housing unit so my neighbors are literally next door to me. I recently bought my laptop and noticed that my wirless connector on the laptop managed to pick up a connection!? I have a feeling this maybe a wireless router from my next door neighbor :eek: This leads to my next question which is what would I need to do inorder to be sure that my network isnt interfering with theirs?

Lastly, would I need a wireless adapter for my desktop? ( I know it doesnt have one)

Btw I am thinking of buying the d-link xtreme-g wireless router, is this a good choice?

[YeOldeStonecat]

You'll benefit from getting a router
A) Basic hardware firewall protection, from NAT (I won't support any clients on broadband unless they are behind a router)
B) All computers will be able to connect independently, no computer has to be on for others to work.

For security, have SP2 for Windows XP, and use WPA encryption, it's newer, easier, and more secure than the old WEP.

If your neighbors are also running wireless, and you have some reliability problems...often changing the channel you use will help.

If your area of needed coverage is a bit large, or possible obstacles for interference..the newer Pre-N/MIMO routers are fantastic..simply excellent range and ability to make it down hallways and into other rooms. And you can still benefit from the increased range using old B or G adapters in your computer.

[anarchy506]

Thanks for the quick reply... I just bought my linksys wireless G router today and I have my internet setup. Now my next question is how do I setup my file sharing with the two computers?

I currently have my desktop PC hooked directly to my router and my laptop through wireless connection. Thanks again =)

Note: im using windows xp pro on my desktop and home edition on my laptop

[anarchy506]

I have a new problem :(

whenever i try clicking on my view workgroups I always get this message:

"desktopnetwork is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contatct the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions.

The list of servers for this workgroup is not currently available"

What does that mean?? Somebody please help me! :(

[anarchy506]

Nevermind! I got it =)