Got my Laptop! A few NEW questions(just added!)...

[airhead]

Thanks to all that posted reviews and recommendations. I ended up with a Dell Inspiron 15R.
Can't wait to get it!
Now,what do I need to get it to work? Do I need to call verizon(I have Fios)to get hooked up with a router? Or,what? Thanks all!

 

[DrCavin]

If you want to use it wireless then your going to need a wireless router. I would just go & buy a router and not have to deal with Verizon. Some companies may give you a wireless router, but my cable company wanted to charge extra.

 

[airhead]

If you want to use it wireless then your going to need a wireless router. I would just go & buy a router and not have to deal with Verizon. Some companies may give you a wireless router, but my cable company wanted to charge extra.

Ok,can you recommend a router?

 

[FireDancer]

Ok,can you recommend a router?

Cisco (Linksys) WRT54G2

A couple of things to do once you get it.

• Change the default admin password
• Use no less than WPA2-AES encryption with a good pseudo-random key. I go here and copy the first 20 characters of the middle or bottom box.
• Turn off Pnp
• Turn off WAN side administration

There are some other steps I also take but these are the bare minimum. You only have to enter the encryption key once for each computer so it isn't a big deal to use a long random key. Just make sure to write it down and keep it filed away somewhere that is not on the computer. It should be in a physical file.

 

[chrissyd1]

will this router you recommended work with a dell netbook wirelessly?

I think i am computer stupid

 

[DrCavin]

will this router you recommended work with a dell netbook wirelessly?

I think i am computer stupid

will work fine

 

[singal3]

You should be able to setup the router yourself.

 

[FireDancer]

will this router you recommended work with a dell netbook wirelessly?

I think i am computer stupid

The make and model of laptop don't matter because WiFi (802.11x) is a standard. The router I linked to is 802.11b/g which will work with you computer just fine.

Your computer is actually 802.11n but that is backward compatible with g and b. n is faster but unnecessary unless you are streaming high bandwidth video and even then n often has speed issues because of how it works.

 

[airhead]

Cisco (Linksys) WRT54G2

A couple of things to do once you get it.

• Change the default admin password
• Use no less than WPA2-AES encryption with a good pseudo-random key. I go here and copy the first 20 characters of the middle or bottom box.
• Turn off Pnp
• Turn off WAN side administration

There are some other steps I also take but these are the bare minimum. You only have to enter the encryption key once for each computer so it isn't a big deal to use a long random key. Just make sure to write it down and keep it filed away somewhere that is not on the computer. It should be in a physical file.

Thanks for the link. I ordered my router now just waiting...

 

[Staxeon]

I'm surprised your FIOS box doesn't already have WiFi. Here in NY state every FIOS install I've seen the Verizon router has 4 ethernet ports and WiFi built into it, even comes default WEP encrypted.

You might want to give Verizon a call and see, or even easier does your FIOS router have an antenna on it? ((The router would be the smaller black box, not the big white one they ran the fiber into)).

 

[FireDancer]

I'm surprised your FIOS box doesn't already have WiFi. Here in NY state every FIOS install I've seen the Verizon router has 4 ethernet ports and WiFi built into it, even comes default WEP encrypted.

You might want to give Verizon a call and see, or even easier does your FIOS router have an antenna on it? ((The router would be the smaller black box, not the big white one they ran the fiber into)).

If that is all it offers still go with a 3rd party router that offers WPA2 encryption. WEP is so trivial to break it is like having no encryption at all.

 

[airhead]

The only "box" installed with my FIOS is in my garage. There's nothing written on it that says "wireless or router". I had FIOS installed when it became available a few years back.
My wireless router is on the way so that's what I'll use.
I got the laptop yesterday,but haven't even taken it out of the box yet! Work work work...
Router will arrive tomorrow.

 

[airhead]

I'm surprised your FIOS box doesn't already have WiFi. Here in NY state every FIOS install I've seen the Verizon router has 4 ethernet ports and WiFi built into it, even comes default WEP encrypted.

You might want to give Verizon a call and see, or even easier does your FIOS router have an antenna on it? ((The router would be the smaller black box, not the big white one they ran the fiber into)).

Nope. No black box only the big white one in my garage.

 

[airhead]

I'm surprised your FIOS box doesn't already have WiFi. Here in NY state every FIOS install I've seen the Verizon router has 4 ethernet ports and WiFi built into it, even comes default WEP encrypted.

You might want to give Verizon a call and see, or even easier does your FIOS router have an antenna on it? ((The router would be the smaller black box, not the big white one they ran the fiber into)).

I found it! It DOES have an antenna! It has been connected (for a few years!!)to an old computer in my basement.Family kids use it on occasion. All the little green lights are on,so its working! Now what???

 

[airhead]

...anyone???