New laptop came in today. Dell Inspiron 1545. I also have a Dell desktop, and the wife uses a HP desktop. I would like to be able to use the laptop outside, and on the same ISP. Would it be simple enough for a computer-illiterate to install the stuff necessary to make all three wireless, and if so, which router should I use? We use a wired Lynksys now between the 2 desktops that has caused no problems since we got it. Thanks for any help.
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It's very easy to setup a wireless router, replacing your Linksys. Most on the market these days are more than good enough for any use, I would suggest seeing what's on sale at your local store. They will all have a simple setup CD that steps you through all the settings rather automatically. It's a 5 min setup.

The wireless routers come in different 'speeds' - b,g & n - n being newest and fastest. Your laptop is g. Buying an n router won't hurt anything but you will not be able to take advantage of the extra speed.
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You may already have everything you need now. Your new laptop already has a wireless card installed in it. As for your desktops - I wouldn't change those to wireless - cause wireless is not as fast as wired, and since they are not mobile there really is no need. You can do both at the same time.

So - on your Linksys router - post up the model number. Most routers now days are wired and wireless. Therefore you just need the directions for turning on the wireless feature in both the laptop and router - and then to connect them together.


Ron
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Ron, looks like BEFSR41 ver 4.2
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If you don't mind me butting in...no wireless on that one. I always go with Linksys for home routers. Something like...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124010

You can go cheaper...anything that you see with 802.11 b/g will work...along with ethernet ports for your wired machines.

Also...do not install router software on any computer as it is unnecessary. All routers will come setup in a default mode with no security that you can connect to. Then use a web browser to manage any extra setup that you will need.
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I use Lynksys B/G in all my office'ss as well as at home. Most ISP's will help you with setting up your router. If you have a ISP that requires PPPoE where you have to put in the user name and password. I suggest that you set it Keep Alive vs connect on demand. I also highly suggest that you change the default router password, and change the SSID of the router. I would also encrypt it as well it is easy to do. This will keep people from piggy backing off of your internet.
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The reason I suggested the setup software is because they typically do not work out of the box anymore. True they don't have security turned on, but they often don't have wireless turned on or DHCP selected, etc. and require some input before operation. Since he's not an expert user I would never expect him to go through the backend manually. There is also nothing wrong with installing the setup software whatsoever.
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Thanks for the help, guys. I'm off to Best Buy.
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Don't forget to set security on it. You don't want the neighbors or passers by to be using your wireless connection or getting into your computers. Here's aa good link to setup security:

http://dotancohen.com/howto/linksyssetup.html

MCS
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For sure on this,,can't help but emphasize this as you don't want to make it easier to have your system compromise with people out there who wait for others to go "wireless",,,,
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Well fellas, I'm sitting on my back porch, smoking a Cubao #4 and drinking some Costa Rica Tarrazu Santa Elena, while typing this. Man, I feel like I'm actually part of the 21st century.

Thanks for all the help/recommendations.

It's great being wireless!
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Woot!
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Glad to hear it went well Doyle you 21st century bastage you!
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