wireless broadband

[riptide]

I have a laptop only household and wish to go wireless, is it reliable or do you find it disconnects frequently. Also how easy is it to install a complete secure system.

[Ethel]

I rarely have problems with disconnection.

It is very safe if you take the proper precautions and set up the security properly on all the laptops. It is easy to do as long as you read the set up instructions.

It is lovely to sit in the garden and use the laptop.

Have a read of this before you start - it is a good guide to wireless security:

http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wi reless_secure.htm

[riptide]

Thank you so much for your reply. .greatly appreciated. Will look into wireless.

[TechGirl]

You can set security keys on your wireless network. These are WEP (Wired Equivalency Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). A laptop can be very secure if you set a WPA key.

When choosing to set a WEP key I suggest you change this often (weekly or so) as this is less secure. However a WPA is more secure and in my opinion can remain unchanged for up to a month.

Your router may give you the option of WPA but your laptop may not. Ensure authentication is set to 'shared' to enable the option of WPA.

Some laptops will not allow you the option of setting a WPA and WEP is your sole choice for security.

Disconnection happens when you move out of the range. This does not happen very often at all.

Hope this helps...

[riptide]

Thank you so much for yoyur answer a great help. I shall definitely give it a go as I cannot seem to run a long extension off my phone point as broadband keeps on cutting out if I do. Wireless sounds the answer as I want to use my laptop upstairs. Many thanks