tips for connecting new computer to internet

[jbd1962]

i am putting a new desktop into service and want to share internet with my laptop via a linksys wireless router. i have an external cable modem, my os is XP pro, what type of cofiguration or internet connection do i use for new desktop so it will work with a wireless router. my laptop os is xp home, does it matter? and what type connection do i use for laptop?

any input on configuring wireless netwok both for internet connection, printer sharing and wireless security issues and what to do to protect my network would be appreciated.

i realize the last request is a network question, and will also post there if no response, and i did'nt know which forum was the correct on for the first request. i am new to this website so someone correct me if i am not following correct procedures.

[AlwaysUp]

You may have to contact your cable provider to let them know that you are physically going to connect your cablemodem to new machine. I say this because it would be the best method to have the cablemodem ethernet cable go directly to the correct port on your router. At this point your ISP will only see the IP address of your router and not your IP of the laptop. From that point you use Cat5 ethernet cable to the NIC of the desktop. This makes your gateway pc hardwired. Then with an ethernet adapter for the laptop you are4 wireless with the laptop which is what laptops are all about, right? Mobility! Be sure to read all the install steps that accompany your wireless router. Wireless networking is a breeze if you first do a little study.m As far as security is concerned the router will function as a NAT firewall for the wired system and the wi-fi will have WEP and WAP. Do a google search and there is tons of info on how to tighten up wireless security. Also the documentation that comes with your router will most likely have a .pdf or other document that covers wireless security.

[jbd1962]

Thank you for replying, very helpful

[z1p]

Just a quick note. Most (if not all routers) allow you to clone its MAC address. If you connect to the router from your PC and open its admin console, you should find an option to clone the MAC address of your PC. What that means is that the router will use your PC's MAC address as its own, that way your ISP will not see any difference between having your PC connected to your modem and having your router connected to the modem.

[AlwaysUp]

Well put, zip.

[z1p]

Thx :blush: