High Speed Internet: Cable, DSL & Router Settings, Wireless Security WPA, etc.

Security: Because cable or DSL is always on, get ZoneAlarm (free) or Sunbelt Kerio Personal Firewall. It makes your computer appear invisible to all outside intruders.

Routers are fairly cheap, and they put a hardware firewall between your computer and the outside world. It is good to have both.

Remember, if you use Netmeeting or other remote assistance type programs, there are some special steps to allow this traffic through either type of firewall.

Cable and DSL are comparable in use as far as speed and ease of use. Be aware that some DSL companies cap their download speeds and then provide a premium service for a few dollars more per month. The speed that you used to get for the original price.

Often rates are cheaper if you get a 'Bundle', tying your Internet, TV and Phone service together from the same provider.

The installer doesn't set up your computer and cable/DSL modem to the best settings. They use a generic 'fit all' setting. There are many tweaks you can do yourself if you are familiar with adjusting the registry settings. Or check some of the sites such as those below for programs that will do the work for you. It is definitely worth a little research and tweakin' time. As always with these types of adjustments, proceed with caution, do backups and only one step at a time.

Connect Two Routers - want more connections, want your wireless to transmit from a higher level, here's how.

Shortcut To Your Router Configure Settings

If you find you are accessing your router administration program frequently, you know how irriating it is to type in that IP number all the time.

Just make a shortcut on your desktop for it, and you can get to it with one click. Or if you use a program like SlickRun, simply make a shortcut to it that way.

Much faster, you don't have to remember the number, and you can do it from any of your computers.

A wireless router gives you both a wired system and wireless. Most have 4 wired ports. The wireless system is easily turned off via the software if you wish. Providing you activate and set up the security features, there should not be a problem.

If you are planning a wired system, use inside walls for your jacks. And take advantage of closets if you have to. They are much easier to get to if you have to wire from below, and exceptionally easy if you have a suspended ceiling in any of your downstairs rooms. Also by using an inside wall quite often you can put two jacks opposite each other and serve two rooms from one cable run behind the wall. For example two bedrooms, or a kitchen and living room.

There are two types of CAT5 cables. Straight Through and Crossover.

You will want the straight through type for normal router hook up. The links above will tell you how to tell the difference between the two types. The short way is to hold the two cable ends side by side. If all the colours are in the exact same order, then it is a straight through cable. If they are not, then it is a cross over cable. (D-Link routers automatically adjust to whatever cables you use. No need for any Crossover cables.)