> 1) I'd like to be able to use more than one computer on this > connection, even if those computers are not networked together (that's a > different project). > > 2) I'd like to be able to do this wirelessly, but this is not a > requirement - even if wireless is possible, I will still > probably favor a hard connection via the Ethernet port in my computer. > > 3) I'd like to maintain some amount of safety, possibly by > having some kind of hardware firewall, but recommendations will be greatly appreciated. > > 4) I'd like to be able to do this relatively cheaply.
Here's one description for a start: Connect the modem your ISP (cable is much better than DSL, btw) will provide you to a wireless router (Netgear/D-Link, other name brands are basically good and inexpensive, maybe $50-$100 range. I bought one with a rebate that reduced cost to $20 or so), which also supports wired Ethernet (you'll need RJ45 cable with connectors, cables come in different lengths) connections, and then you can connect your machine(s) to the router using wires or wireless, or both. For the wireless connections you'll need wireless adapters for each machine accessing it via wireless. You can access the router's setup screen using it's address (e.g. http://192.168.0.1 ... See the router's doc for exact address) from your browser. Set the router's password and check that DHCP (dispenses IP's to your machine(s)) is turned on. Turn on WEP encryption in the router. You can also turn the wireless access on/off from this control panel. Assuming you turn on DHCP in the router, then you can set your TCP/IP settings in Windows/other to "Obtain an IP address automatically" (the easier way). Conversely, you can turn off DHCP in the router but then you'll need to assign IP's to each machine in your LAN in the TCP/IP setup screen. I'm not sure which is actually best, but right now I've got IP's assigned to each machine (DHCP is off in the router). Oh, if you don't have a LAN defined in Network Connections, you'll have to set it up for the 1st time using the Network Connection Wizard. The router setup screen will also let you block ports from Internet access, if you want/need to get further into security. Bill > > Help? > > > Joel _______________________________________________ Post Messages to: [email protected] Subscription Maintenance: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profox OT-free version of this list: http://leafe.com/mailman/listinfo/profoxtech ** All postings, unless explicitly stated otherwise, are the opinions of the author, and do not constitute legal or medical advice. This statement is added to the messages for those lawyers who are too stupid to see the obvious.
