Securing a network - Vista Premium

[NoStateofMind]

Well I'm not a complete noob, I've built the PC I'm on now. But I'm more of a hardware geek and a software noob. Anyways, I recently purchased a laptop and wireless router from newegg as seen here:

Gateway M-6307 NoteBook

Specs

LINKSYS WRT54G



The Router had directions to install the disc before trying to connect Wireless. I assumed the disc that came with it was for XP (no mention if Vista compatible) so I went looking on their website and couldn't find any Vista drivers. I asked a friend how to install it and he just said to connect the router to my PC (RJ-45) and reboot both machines, modem and router. After doing so it didn't work. Pressing the reset button on the router fixed it and I'm now able to use Wireless on the laptop.

Ok, now we get to the fun part. A couple questions:

1.) How do I secure my network?

2.) Where do I find the IP the laptop is using?

I am sorry that such a complete networking noob has to ask these questions. I've never used Vista before. Even after reading THIS THREAD
I am still lost 🙁

Please help and thanks in advance 🙂

 

[bamacre]

#1 - Get rid of wireless and go wired. :laugh:

#2 - Start - Run - type in "cmd" (without the quotes) and then type "ipconfig" (without the quotes). Hit enter. That'll give you the local IP your laptop is using.

 

[JackMDS]

Router does not need Drivers the CD is has a wizard program that helps in auto configuration.

Actually it is better to read the extensive manual and configure the Router manually.

Bu configuring manually you learn the basic aspect its working which makes it easy later on if there is trouble or a need for reconfiguration.

Start the setting with a Wired connection only when it works OK (I.e. you can connect to the Internet) switch to the Wireless.

As for the Wireless this might help.

My Wireless does not work - http://www.ezlan.net/wireless.html

Wireless Basic Configuration - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html

Wireless Security - http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

 

[degibson]

Originally posted by: JackMDS
Router does not need Drivers the CD is has a wizard program that helps in auto configuration.

Actually it is better to read the extensive manual and configure the Router manually.

Right on JackMDS!

Disks that come with routers, etc., have, on the only two occasions I have bothered to use the disk, come with ad-ware and/or unwelcome-ware. Burn the witch.