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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 28, 2008 14:45:27 GMT -6
Woo hoo!! I installed a new wireless router!
All it took was three hours of teeth gnashing, and a call to my ISP and a call to Netgear support in India. I talked to "Cynthia" who sounded like she should be pouring Slurpees at 7-Eleven.
The damn router kept telling me that I had a static IP address, and wanted me to type it in. It took a call to the ISP to verify what I was pretty sure of already: that I do, indeed, have a dynamic IP address.
And then the call to Netgear to have them walk me through the manual configuration procedure, since the "wizard" wouldn't believe that I had a dynamic IP.
Oh well, now I have more speed, more range, and better security. And the hair that I tore out will probably grow back......Jake
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Dec 28, 2008 15:22:28 GMT -6
Good luck. I have a wireless access point as my router is hard-wired. The wireless access point has a mind of it's own. Sometimes it works fine, others it's like a stubborn mule. I can no longer access the setup page from my browser to re-set up the security and other items (disable SSID ID so others won't see the name, etc). I bought a cool device that plugs into an electric socket and into my router and can then plug another one pretty much anywhere in the house and plug a computer into that and VOILA! - internet connection. So I now have my wireless access point hooked up in the family room beside our pool, where I can sit with my laptop and watch Rhonda sunbathe nekkid. Cool, eh??
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 28, 2008 15:50:08 GMT -6
I had some fun setting up one for my daughter after she moved to DC in August. When I went to setup the security on hers, I accidentally accessed an unsecured wireless unit belonging to one of her neighbors (no idea who), and secured it with password protection. A few minutes later, when the network I was supposed to be working on failed to request a password, I realized what had happened.
I got my daughters security set up successfully on the second attempt. I never did go back to remove the password protection from the neighbors network. I figured it was probably a good lesson for them, and after 30 or so minutes on hold with India, they would have found out where the reset button was.
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 28, 2008 15:54:43 GMT -6
So I now have my wireless access point hooked up in the family room beside our pool, where I can sit with my laptop and watch Rhonda sunbathe nekkid. Cool, eh?? A classic example of our cyber world, shes sunbathing nekkid while he's sitting there downloading porn. ;D ;D Do you think George and Jane Jetson do the same thing?
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 28, 2008 16:00:32 GMT -6
I had some fun setting up one for my daughter after she moved to DC in August. When I went to setup the security on hers, I accidentally accessed an unsecured wireless unit belonging to one of her neighbors (no idea who), and secured it with password protection. A few minutes later, when the network I was supposed to be working on failed to request a password, I realized what had happened. I got my daughters security set up successfully on the second attempt. I never did go back to remove the password protection from the neighbors network. I figured it was probably a good lesson for them, and after 30 or so minutes on hold with India, they would have found out where the reset button was. I've read of a little scam based on that concept. You find an unwise neighbor with an unprotected network, and give them a password they'll never guess. A few days later, when you find their router in the trash, you bring it in and set it up for yourself! If I do a search on wireless networks from my home, I find about a dozen of them, two of which are unprotected. They made a nice backup for my old one which frequently was on the fritz. My problem today ended up being solved by that high-tech gadget found in scientific laboratories all over the world: the bent-open paper clip......Jake
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 28, 2008 16:06:20 GMT -6
Which is why paper clips will never be replaced. They have too many alternative functions in the world.
Also, no one has ever determined exactly what the functional lifespan of a paper clip, used as a paper clip is. Properly maintained, I personally believe they could easily last more than 1000 years without wearing out.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 28, 2008 18:05:35 GMT -6
I can give you a lower limit on the MTTF of a paper clip, based on zero-failure life data. I'd just have to look up the formula.....Jake
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Dec 29, 2008 0:03:43 GMT -6
I try and always keep a paper clip around to reset things. Turns out I can open my cd rom in my laptop with one as well. Damn nice things to have around!
I was in Washington DC once for a meeting and was sniffing around the hotel with my laptop and a program (Net Stumbler) that snatched all the SSID's of the wireless networks in range. I found an unsecured one and was trying to log on when suddenly the SSID changed to "FUCK YOU."
I think someone figured I was on to them!
.........Bob
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Post by Irish Stu on Dec 29, 2008 5:18:54 GMT -6
If I do a search on wireless networks from my home, I find about a dozen of them, two of which are unprotected. They made a nice backup for my old one which frequently was on the fritz I've got up this morning to find my wireless network not working, and falling over again every time I restart it. So I'm currently on a neighbour's network. Simon
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 29, 2008 5:55:31 GMT -6
The great thing about tapping into a nearby unsecured network is that 99% of the victims will blame their ISP for any service impairment.
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Post by Irish Stu on Dec 29, 2008 6:59:04 GMT -6
Maybe it's the neighbours who are fucking up my network...
Simon
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 29, 2008 7:06:22 GMT -6
Could be Simon, time to lock down!
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Post by Irish Stu on Dec 29, 2008 7:37:26 GMT -6
Maybe it's time for a new router, I can't even detect my own network now. Jake, as you've had recent experience I may be calling you to talk me through the set up...
Simon
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 29, 2008 10:36:11 GMT -6
Sure thing, Simon. [Habib]Would you like a Slurpee with that?[/Habib]
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 29, 2008 10:43:11 GMT -6
Simon, it sounds like youve connected with Bangalore.
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Post by Exildo Wonsetler Briggs III on Dec 29, 2008 12:59:19 GMT -6
Sure thing, Simon. [Habib]Would you like a Slurpee with that?[/Habib] I have this network problem happen all the time. I have 3 computers running on the home network and at any given time, suddenly they can't seem to find each other anymore, like groping in the dark. I shut down all the firewalls and play around a bit and will get it working again. Most of the time I have no idea what causes the problem or how I fix it, but suddenly the lights come on and once again, the computers see each other. My wireless access point is several years old and since I can no longer access it's innerds via a browser to update the firmware, I think it's time to can the beast and get a new one. ...............Bob
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:19:25 GMT -6
Just a quick FYI for you guys, I install LOTS and LOTS of wireless home networks, out of all the current wireless routers out on the market right now, by far the best quality one I have found is made by TrendNET, it is also probably the easiest one to set up. TrendNET TEW-633GRFor those of you that don't care about Gigabit and Wireless N, they also make this one that is FANTASTIC too!!
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Post by Ardbeg... innit on Dec 29, 2008 13:25:11 GMT -6
When my old wireless router crapped out over the summer, I installed an "N" compatible system.
NOT WORTH IT, the advantages are not that great for the extra $$$ involved, especially if you arent cutting edge with you ISP access.
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:27:07 GMT -6
BTW, neither router has the greatest ratings, but I can tell you from first hand use of both of those are extremely well priced, great quality, and I personally use the first one in my network, it replaced the latter one when I went to a full Gigabit network internally here in my shop.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 29, 2008 13:30:12 GMT -6
Hey, RH, if you are still around, I have a question.
I have one old computer that I use strictly for audio: I store all my music on it, and play it through the home stereo system. It is also hitched up to a radio so I can digitally copy on-air stuff(specifically, Dr. Demento). It is NOT currently connected to my home network.
I do not have (or want) anti-virus software on it, so I do not want it connecting to the internet. But... I would like it to be networked with my other computers for file-swapping. So, the question is, if I do not run email or browser software on it, but DO have it wired to my home network, is it safe from internet threats? Are there any special precautions I need to take? I appreciate any advice......Jake
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:30:55 GMT -6
When my old wireless router crapped out over the summer, I installed an "N" compatible system. NOT WORTH IT, the advantages are not that great for the extra $$$ involved, especially if you arent cutting edge with you ISP access. I agree 100%, unless you need the extra range or are moving HUGE amounts of info between computers in your own network, Wireless N is NOT worth the extra money. Most people don't realize that Wireless G is 54 Mbps MOST high speed internet services are 15 Mbps at best. If you take into consideration you will lose a bit to encryption you still have TONS of headroom on the bandwidth available on a Wireless G.
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:36:41 GMT -6
Hey, RH, if you are still around, I have a question. I have one old computer that I use strictly for audio: I store all my music on it, and play it through the home stereo system. It is also hitched up to a radio so I can digitally copy on-air stuff. It is NOT currently connected to my home network. I do not have (or want) anti-virus software on it, so I do not want it connecting to the internet. But... I would like it to be networked with my other computers for file-swapping. So, the question is, if I do not run email or browser software on it, but DO have it wired to my home network, is it safe from internet threats? Are there any special precautions I need to take? I appreciate any advice......Jake In a short answer NO!! I will try to keep this explanation simple. The second it pulls an IP address from your router it becomes internet capable......thus opening it up to attacks. However if you have a good hardware firewall on your router the risks are pretty minimal as long as you don't "surf" the web. Now there are a few ways to do this, but it is fairly complicated. The easiest way would be to add a second NIC (Network Interface Card) to an existing computer and use a special Ethernet cable between the two PC's. This requires a few settings that can be a pain in the ass. Edited to add. This is all assuming that all machines are XP machines.....Windows 98 things get really fucked up. Vista is about as bad as 98 when it comes to setting up this kind of thing.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 29, 2008 13:40:06 GMT -6
Whao, thanks for the warning. I guess I can continue to sneaker-net stuff between the audio PC and the main network PC. They are about four feet apart!
P.S. - yes, they are all XP machines. Although the audio one hasn't been on the internet for over a year and no doubt is well behind in the "Windows Update" department.
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:43:09 GMT -6
Something that might be an option for you Jake, depending on how much info you are wanting to move between computers and how often you do it. Flash drives are great for this kind of thing, you can pick up a decent 4GB flash drive for about 15 bucks. As far as speed, honestly, it probably would be just about as fast as moving the info via ethernet.
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Post by Chicago Jake on Dec 29, 2008 13:48:19 GMT -6
Yeah, that's what I do now. That's what I meant by "sneaker-net." You just walk it over!
Thanks for the advice......Jake
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Post by Robin Hood on Dec 29, 2008 13:59:18 GMT -6
Depending on how much stuff you have, you may want to look at setting up a "server" machine. Most people see the word "server" and freak out. Truth be known, you can use a very simple XP machine as a file server and it is really easy to set up.
I have two "servers" here in my shop, one is for our stuff, one is for customers. The one for our stuff is really simple, it is basically just a simple little P4 with 2 large hard drives that are mirrored. Even if one of my drives dies, I still have the other one as a back up. I also image the drives to an external drive once a week and take it down the street to our bank and stick it into the safe deposit box. For me even in the event of something devastating (i.e. house fire) we would only lose at most a weeks worth of stuff.
The "server" I use for backing up customer stuff is even simpler cause I am not near as concerned with failure on it cause it is a short term back up situation. It is just a XP machine with a large hard drive that I can back stuff on.
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