3 posts tagged “how to”

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I know that some of you have nice new shiny laptops now. But if you are still in the dialup era, it's hard to get full value for your purchase, since so many things are Internet based and need a "big pipe" to do all you want in a timely manner.

What I propose is a way to get connected (if you live in the US) and have maximum versatility with minimum hassle and cost involved. I will tell you the setup I have. Your mileage may vary. No nerds where harmed (much) in the making of this post... ^^

I know that cable modems are faster than DSL...

But do you really want to spend $40+ a month (plus extra if you don't have regular cable service already). The AT&T DSL I have is 1.5mb/sec for about $15.99 month. And they do offer faster speeds if you want.

I compare it to the Autobahn vs the Interstate highway. How often do you want to go 150 miles an hour? Wouldn't "Interstate" speed be fast enough, most of the time to get you where you want to go, without wasting gas (money)? If you have special needs - like a hardcore gamer or download DVDs worth of videos all the time, maybe you need that speed. I download things on a regular basis, and it hasn't been much of an issue for me. My email and other "Web 2.0" stuff like VOX work great. DSL works with your regular phone (you MUST have regular telephone service) without any other wiring involved. Just plug in that DSL modem (usually free) to your phone line and the computer, and off you go! ^^

Thanks! But I am tethered to my desk now... :(

You got the laptop for the portability, right? Wouldn't you like to "be like Mike" and be typing this on your font porch, or other convenient spot around the home? Just about all new laptops have Wi-Fi (wireless) capability built right in. Wi-Fi has evolved over the years from "B" to "G" and now the new "N" proposed standard. Each is faster and better than the previous standard by a good amount. N is smoking fast! But I think than G is still plenty good and not too many laptops currently have N built in. Plus, G have been around for a while, is proven technology and the prices are low.

And you can show off at Starbucks! ;)

I am proposing to you to get the Linksys (part of Cisco) WRT54G Wi-Fi router that I have. It is very solid, pretty easy to setup and easy on the pocket book (you just splurged on a new laptop, right??) Linksys makes a lot of similar models, so be aware.

What the heck is a router anyway??

A router takes your single connection from your provider, and lets you hookup multiple devices, like PCs, iPhone, etc. A Wi-fi router not only has Ethernet connections (they look like fat telephone wires) but  can transmit via Wi-Fi to an area that roughly is equal to your living space. It can work with a cable or DSL modems, so you don't have to get new equipment (i.e. Daddy buys you Cable Internet service) if you switch.

You then have an easy way for all the PCs in your home to connect to the Internet. Plus, they can talk to each other (a local network) a very handy option! You can move files from one PC to the other easily, without the "floppy shuffle" or now a days, the thumb drive shuffle... I even play videos stored on my USB2.0 external drive on my PC out to the laptop. :)

As with all computer related things, it's better to have a Nerd on hand (NOH) when setting things up. But most of you can handle this assignment - I did. ^^ Just do it in order. Get the DSL working properly first. READ the instructions. Go through rebooting your computer several times to be sure all the settings have "stuck". After you are comfortable that it is working without problems, next the Wi-Fi router.

The Linksys  Wi-Fi router doesn't need too much configuration. One critical point is to setup the strongest protection that all your devices support. WPA is the best most laptops and the router support. If you don't do this, anyone in range can access your Wi-Fi(!) (SANCHEZ network in my neighborhood is always ready for me to connect... @@ And yes, write down all those weird numbers and settings! You WILL need them again later.

This is just an overview of what works for me. You can thank me (?) when you are out in the sun, sipping a mint julip and enjoying the marvels of technology! :)

This is your phone. This is your phone on iPhone! coming soon...