DSL/Home Network Questions

[Amy]

I need help from folks who are more computer literate than I am, and I apologize if these are stupid questions.

We're a two-computer household (DH and I share the new computer and DS13 and DS15 share our old computer, both running WindowsXP). We've had a dial-up connection forever, and just this past week I got Verizon DSL up and running on my computer.

My project for tomorrow (and probably carrying over to next week) is to set up a wireless network so DS's computer and DH's work laptop can share the DSL connection. The DSL modem is on my computer, and the router will probably be connected to it also.

I printed out Verizon's instructions for setting up a home network and hopefully if I follow them and the instructions with the router, MAYBE I can get it up and running without too many calls for help, LOL!

I know I need to identify each computer that will connect to the network, and set up security so that ONLY those computers can "talk" to each other.

Here's my main question right now (I'm sure I'll have more once I start putting things together): we usually shut down our computers at night and during the day when we're at work. The DSL modem is always on. I assume that we'll all have to log on to the home network (just like I do at work) to access the DSL. What happens when our DS's get home from school and want to get on the internet? Can they connect thru the modem (which is on) even though the modem is attached to our computer (which will be off)? Or will they have to turn on our computer first? We have XP set up with accounts for me and DH (trying to keep the DS's junk off our computer); will I have to give the boys an account on our computer so they can get past the login screen?

Sorry if this seems stupid, but I'm new to all this DSL stuff. And all I know about networks is when I go to work, I turn on my computer in the morning, log on, and go. If I have problems, I call our support folks and they take care of it. At home, "I'm" support, and it's scary!!!

Thanks for any help!

 

[mickman1962]

First thing you 've got wrong is the modem will now connect to the router and the PC's connect to the router so either one can get on at any time. You do not have to log in like at work because you are not connecting to a server.

1. plug modem into router (using proper cable and port, see instructions for router)
2. add wireless cards to the PC's and install the software that comes with them when prompted.
3. computers should find the router by themselves.
4. use one of the PC's to log into the router (again instructions usually something like 192.168.2.1) and change the password.
5. log into the router again and turn on WPA (again follow directions) this is used to keep others out.

 

[Nite0wl71]

The computer which the router is on does not have to be on for the network to work. The DSL and router always stay on even when your computer is off.

 

[Amy]

First thing you 've got wrong is the modem will now connect to the router and the PC's connect to the router so either one can get on at any time. You do not have to log in like at work because you are not connecting to a server.

1. plug modem into router (using proper cable and port, see instructions for router).

Aha! Now I remember reading in the instructions for connecting a network that I'll have to put the router between my computer and the modem!!

Duh! The sad part is that DH is even worse than me at this stuff.

thanks, guys!

 

[Amy]

Ok, another dumb question then:

What about all the Verizon software I installed on my computer when I installed DSL? I guess I'll have to install that on DS's computer, too?

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Very good thread. I am going to network our two computers together and we have Verizon DSL. So I will just keep checking back here to see how to do things.

 

[mickman1962]

Ok, another dumb question then:

What about all the Verizon software I installed on my computer when I installed DSL? I guess I'll have to install that on DS's computer, too?

actually you do not need any additional software for the network to work, it's all built into windows (still need the drivers for the network cards however)

 

[Lisa L from MI]

I just got a new laptop and set up the wireless network...I surprised myself...it was super easy! I even set it up so I can print from my laptop too!!...

 

[Amy]

I just got a new laptop and set up the wireless network...I surprised myself...it was super easy! I even set it up so I can print from my laptop too!!...

Lisa - glad to hear it was easy! I'm going to tackle it tomorrow.

Mom2Ashli - I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing! Which Verizon option did you choose - Yahoo or MSN?

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Lisa - glad to hear it was easy! I'm going to tackle it tomorrow.

Mom2Ashli - I'll keep you posted on how I'm doing! Which Verizon option did you choose - Yahoo or MSN?

I didn't choose either.

But when I did my Mom's she chose MSN.

It took forever to download.

I still need to set her laptop up, so I will be checking here for helpful hints.

 

[Barb D]

Your new computer probably has an integrated wireless card, so you probably won't have to install anything on it. Your old computer will likely need a wireless card (and its drivers) installed.

Hook the modem up to the router, and temporarily connect the router to your new computer with an ethernet cable. Then set up your router parameters, including your WPA or WEP password. After that's done, you can disconnect your computer from the wireless router. You'll have to put the password into both computers (where you put it depends on what kind of wireless card you have.) Also, change your SSID (your network name) from the default. That way if some of your neighbors have the same kind of router, you'll know which network is yours. (Common ones I've seen are "linksys", "tsunami", and "Customer ID".)

DEFINITELY do the password; otherwise your neighbors can use your wireless connection and potentially get access to files on your computers.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

Your new computer probably has an integrated wireless card, so you probably won't have to install anything on it. Your old computer will likely need a wireless card (and its drivers) installed.

Hook the modem up to the router, and temporarily connect the router to your new computer with an ethernet cable. Then set up your router parameters, including your WPA or WEP password. After that's done, you can disconnect your computer from the wireless router. You'll have to put the password into both computers (where you put it depends on what kind of wireless card you have.) Also, change your SSID (your network name) from the default. That way if some of your neighbors have the same kind of router, you'll know which network is yours. (Common ones I've seen are "linksys", "tsunami", and "Customer ID".)

DEFINITELY do the password; otherwise your neighbors can use your wireless connection and potentially get access to files on your computers.

Hopefully so of this will make sense to me when I am doing it.

Thank you