Hi Deb, > It's my understanding that when one is using a > wireless network the secondary computer receives > all incoming stuff from the main computer via > the wireless card on the secondary computer
Not sure exactly what you mean by "incoming stuff", or whether you're talking about having a wireless card in the desktop for some reason (?) Usually you have a separate wireless access point that is attached to your network and handles connections for all wireless kit. With this setup every device can talk to the others over your LAN, just like any equipment that's currently attached to your hub with CAT-5 cables. As access points go the D-Link DWL2000AP+ is really nice, but there are loads on the market. FWIW I agree with the recommendations made recently - I think it may have been Todd, but sorry if it wasn't - that you should set a decent WEP key (at least 128-bit, but ideally 256) and use MAC-based access control. Also, if it's practical in your situation, only turn on the access point when you actually need it. It's also a nice touch to configure one of your boxes - the best bet is usually the modem - as the DHCP server for your network, which means you don't have to give fixed IP addresses to your other equipment (or guests who want to connect to your network). > what about my anti-virus? Do I need to have the > secondary computer have it's own anti-virus program Yes, always, every computer, without exceptions, unless they're already properly secured (i.e. embedded in concrete and buried at the bottom of the sea). AVG is great if you haven't got any cash: http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_dwnl_free.php Sophos is nearly bullet-proof, but you pay for it: http://www.sophos.com/products/sav/ > It's further my understanding that whatever I use for a > firewall is carrying over to the secondary computer. Maybe, but it depends what your firewall is and how you have your connection set up. If you have a shared dial-up connection on your desktop PC, then whatever personal firewall you run will do its stuff on that connection on behalf of the entire network. If you have a separate ADSL modem and you want to run a personal firewall then you'll need to install the software separately on each PC. However: > I'm using Norton Internet Security <not-looking-for-a-flamewar-just-IMHO> If you do have a separate ADSL modem instead of a dial-up connection on your computer, I'd uninstall Norton Internet Security right now. Personal firewalls are fine if your computer is connected directly to the Internet. Without one, you can get hit hard by worms exploiting Windows bugs and life can become pretty miserable. However, if you're behind a NAT-equipped ADSL modem that ignores any attacks by Blaster or Sasser or the equivalent worm-du-jour because it simply doesn't know what to do with them, then I don't see the need for an additional software layer which does the same job less effectively. </nlfafwjimho> Cheers Jon ____ � The WDVL Discussion List from WDVL.COM � ____ To Join wdvltalk, Send An Email To: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Send Your Posts To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To set a personal password send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the words: "set WDVLTALK pw=yourpassword" in the body of the email. To change subscription settings to the wdvltalk digest version: http://wdvl.internet.com/WDVL/Forum/#sub ________________ http://www.wdvl.com _______________________ You are currently subscribed to wdvltalk as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe via postal mail, please contact us at: Jupitermedia Corp. Attn: Discussion List Management 475 Park Avenue South New York, NY 10016 Please include the email address which you have been contacted with.
