Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Setting Up A Secure Home Wireless Network - 2 Simple Steps To Protect Your Privacy

Securing a home wireless network is a two step process. The first step is to ensure network security by securing the wireless access point or router. All of this can normally be done through the web based software interface of the device, by typing in the default address of ?92.168.0.1?

The first thing that needs to be changed is administrator username and password. Many networks are hacked into, simply because nobody bothered changing the default values. This is the same as most VCRs still blinking 12:00 because no one changed the time. Once this is done, enable MAC address filtering, and add computers based on their MAC address. This option will allow only those specified computers to connect to the network, but will not however guarantee total security.

The network SSID defines a name for the network. The default value of this should be changed to an obscure and long string. This value should be written down in a safe place and entered into the machines that are allowed to connect. Disabling the broadcast of the network SSID also provides an extra layer of security as the network will not advertise itself to outsiders.

Encryption should also be enabled. The default encryption is normally weak and can be easily broken. Normally WEP (Wireless Equivalent Privacy) is used for data encryption, however where available try and use WPA-PSK encryption. This method uses 256 bit encryption for transmitting data and the key also changes so provides a far more secure alternative to WEP.

Some routers have firewalls built in. Where available make sure that this option is enabled.

The second step of securing a home wireless network is securing each individuals PC. This can be done by installing a software firewall (this may not always be necessary if a hardware firewall is installed), antivirus software, anti-spam and pop-up blocking software. It is essential to keep this software up to date, as downloading the latest security updates for the operating system and web browser you are using.

You can manage your home network yourself if you have the time, or you can buy a home networking software that will monitor your network and alert you to any intruders or weak security measures for about $30. Whichever way you choose to do it make sure you secure your home wireless network.

About the Author

Wallace Renckers is a wireless networking fanatic who runs Home Wireless Network. Get your free wireless network software that makes setting up a home wireless network a breeze. Solve your own connectivity and security problems and leave tech support alone.

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Broadband Internet - A Great Way to Get Connected

High speed internet access can make lives easy for many of us. We do not have to wait till eternity to open our email messages or download our favourite tracks from the World Wide Web. With broadband satellite internet access, the constraints of using dial up connections can be done away with. Broadband internet is perfect for enjoying engaging internet games or surfing the websites with high amount of graphic content.

Some of us might be living far away where accessing a DSL connection may not be possible. Broadband internet access becomes important in this context. Accessing the Internet through the broadband can be done from almost anywhere. Downloading or installing of specialized software is not required. A simple cable or DSL modem - with capabilities for internet access - serves the purpose. The process of installation is hassle free; moreover, the maintenance required is quite minimal. All these factors contribute significantly towards the increasing popularity of this means of accessing the World Wide Web.

A couple of years ago, the costs of deploying broadband internet were quite exorbitant. However, the scenario has changed drastically and as of now, this means of internet access has become highly affordable.

And the benefits of using broadband internet are more than one. The internet access is quicker. Users are expected to be more than satisfied with faster downloads as well as easy and hassle free uploads.

Anybody and everybody can now enjoy these services which are available from quite a few reputed providers. Interested people can then enjoy music, video clips, movies, and games by downloading the same within seconds.

It can be concluded that in many regions of the globe and within various sections of people, slow downloads from dial-up connections are a thing of the past. Many users are in fact making the most of high speed internet to enjoy movies or television shows; get the latest updates on sports and news; or groove to the latest music.

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