Home network security - 2 PCs on wireless, 1 wired

29 Aug 2006 3:23 AM

Larkspur

We are networked on Windows XP Pro, on DSL, with an older Netgear router -
MA311. Due to physical obstructions, one PC is wired to the network, the
other two are wireless connected. If we set wireless security (WPA because of
the router), will all three of us still be able to access the Internet? (More
important than sharing printers.) Am I locking out "one of our own" by
preventing neighbors from getting in? Thanks.

29 Aug 2006 12:08 PM

Malke

Larkspur wrote:

> We are networked on Windows XP Pro, on DSL, with an older Netgear
> router - MA311. Due to physical obstructions, one PC is wired to the
> network, the other two are wireless connected. If we set wireless
> security (WPA because of the router), will all three of us still be
> able to access the Internet? (More important than sharing printers.)
> Am I locking out "one of our own" by preventing neighbors from getting
> in? Thanks.

You should use WPA if your router and wireless adapters support it.
You'll just enter the encryption key in the computers using it. Here
are some links to help you:

Wireless - Basic Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html
MVP Barb Bowman on wireless security - http://tinyurl.com/56fc5
Tom's Hardware Wireless Security FAQs
http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2006/06/30/wireless_faq_security/index.html

Malke

--
Elephant Boy Computers
www.elephantboycomputers.com
"Don't Panic!"
MS-MVP Windows - Shell/User