Wireless Router Config Stupid Newbie Questions 3

[StevenB]

OK folks, I'm an utter novice to wireless. Previously, I've had a wired home network of 2 PCs and a laptop. A recent power company snafu fried my cable modem and wired router. I replaced them with a Linksys modem and a Linksys WRT54G wireless router.

Both my laptop and one of the PCs have wireless network cards.

I was able to set up the wireless router, at least to the point where it functions from this PC (wireless or wired), but I don't have security enabled.

Being a total wireless noob, where would you suggest I go to look into the best ways to secure this home network? I know nothing about WPA, etc. Linksys's information is weak at best. I'm looking for something that's going to tell me, "For Joe Average User, here's the security you should use, and here's how to configure it."

Secondly, I use my laptop to connect to work via a VPN connection. They have given me detailed instructions on how to configure my wireless router in the secure manner they prescribe. If I follow their instructions, will I have multiple types of connections, or will all of my connections use the new settings described by my company? OK, that's a little vague.

Anyway, one step at a time. Since I can still get into VPN no problem using a wired port, let's just focus on the first part. What do I do to secure this network, other than having a good firewall? (I use ZoneAlarm's free version right now.)

Thanks very much!

Steve

 

[FoxEgg]

I have read the above and really appreciate all the advice

I have just set up an older DWL1000 Dlink AP which offers IEEE 40 bit security with a Newer Dlink 310 Print Server which offers WEP...
I am a bit uncertain if I should activate both with the same encryption...

Are they the same ?

JF

 

[IPKONFIG]

I'm sorry everyone, I had removed myself from e-mail notifications and have not been checking this forum. Please let me know if you've solved your issues or if you still need help. My bad

"I can picture a world without war. A world without hate. A world without fear. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."
- Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

 

[tahoe2]

Thanks for all your help! I have a different question: Can you use any wireless router as an access point? I want to be able to plug a wireless router (or ???) into the jack in any office in my building, and have that router become an AP. Is this even possible?

Corie

 

[StevenB]

Let's see if I can revive my ancient thread.

I'm going to do this again, this time with a WRT54GS wireless router. Here's the trick. This time, there's a Mac involved as well. Any ideas how to configure an OS X Mac to recognize the new password, etc?