Computer Technology Tip

An Introduction to the Wireless Age - Update         Don Trauger - Kennett

This article was first written in 2007. The information is still applicable however it's been updated where needed.

Some of the computer enthusiasts in the Mill have more than one computer hooked up to the Internet. Dual computers are becoming popular because both users can be on the Internet at the same time with no interference or drop in speed. The preferred way to do this is to run an Ethernet cable from both computers to a standard wired router which in turn is connected to your Cable or DSL modem. What's nice about this setup there's no software involved in the installation. The problem of course is fishing cable through walls or floors. Most of us don't envy this task! You can also leave this job to a professional.

An easier alternative for the home user is to add the second computer to the Internet by installing a wireless router and adding a wireless adapter card to the second PC. Some of these adapters can plug into the existing USB connectors in the rear of the PC. This makes it easy because you don't have to open the PC. If your second PC is a laptop, most of the newer models already have the wireless adapter built in. If you already have installed a standard wired router that is handling both PC's, you can connect a wireless access point to the wired router allowing the user with the wireless laptop to roam anywhere in the house and still be connected to the Internet. This is a nice setup when the children visit. They can bring their own laptop and connect to the Internet without having them use your computers. I've seen many cases where the Resident's computers are compromised after the children leave including the addition of unwanted programs and spyware.

Maybe you only have 1 computer and it's a laptop model that you would like to connect to the Internet from anywhere in your home. Instead of the wireless router, purchase just a wireless access point. This device would then connect directly to the Cable or DSL modem leaving you free for Internet access from your laptop anywhere in the home.

You may have heard that networking computers is very difficult. Well, it's not that hard but you do have to follow the directions exactly. There is some software to install and you have to proceed systematically. The results can add a huge convenience factor to your computing particularly for those that may have health concerns or a limited ability to negotiate stairs just to gain access to the Internet.

With many residents in close proximity to each other, interference can become a problem. A router can broadcast nearly a dozen different channels. Channel 6 is the default channel. This means if your neighbor has a router set to Channel 6 and yours is also, interference could be a problem. If you experience sudden disconnects or problems getting connected this may be one of the reasons. Try setting your router to channel 1 or 11. Microwaves and wireless phones can also interfere with communications. Again, try a different channel.

More information on wireless networking is available by coming to our PC Club meeting. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Community Center's Ardmore room.

To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Hershey's Mill Community Center.