Network Questions

[Duckman]

Hi,

I have no idea about networking PCs and what not and just wanted to know a few things about it:

1) If I have a wireless internet router from a PC, will I be able to access the internet using an Apple Mac with built in wireless?

2) If I use this wireless router, will I be able to maintain a wired connection to a PC, seeing the PC has no wireless ability?

Sorry if my questions seem a little basic, but I really have no idea

Thanks.

 

[SL¥DE]

Hi,

I have no idea about networking PCs and what not and just wanted to know a few things about it:

1) If I have a wireless internet router from a PC, will I be able to access the internet using an Apple Mac with built in wireless?

2) If I use this wireless router, will I be able to maintain a wired connection to a PC, seeing the PC has no wireless ability?

Sorry if my questions seem a little basic, but I really have no idea

Thanks.

yes

yes


EDIT: Make sure you set up some sort of security so nobody leeches off your wireless teet.

 

[Duckman]

OK thanks.

And how do you go about setting up security so no one leeches?

 

[Maphusio]

OK thanks.

And how do you go about setting up security so no one leeches?

Usually the best route is through the manufacturer. You will notice the paperwork that came with that router included a contact number. You can call them for assistance in creating your secured wireless network.

If you feel capable, you can obtain on-line walkthroughs via a simple google search for your router make/model and "wireless set up guide"... Something to that extent.

You will want to use "WPA" security as there are currently no widely known tools to crack that type of encryption. All in all, it takes roughly two minutes time to configure your router.

You will have to generate a security pass phrase thats associated with a hexadecimal (generally automatically generated) key. Something fairly difficult such as "DuKm@n_Pwnz!"

That pass phrase will need to be entered for any wireless devices that wish to connect to your network (cell phones, computers, what have you).

And away you go! Just remember, wireless technology has not yet been perfected. There are many other wireless frequencies that can interfere with your network causing it not to function properly. From what I hear, wireless interference is more prevalent in the USA than it is other countries due to the complete chaos caused by lack of regulation... I haven't decided if thats a bad thing yet.

Also note that the density of walls and flooring can impact your wireless network. In many older homes in the USA you run into denser REAL woods, fir and the like or better yet, concrete. These dense surfaces will be tough for that wireless signal to get through.

Should you encounter or theorize that you are experiencing wireless interference; note the option on your routers web interface that allows you to change the wireless channel it broadcasts on.

Wireless routers will work for Macintosh and Windows based computers so no worries there. Quality wise, you would be better off with a Macintosh Airport Router. Most Macintosh products tend to be high quality and come with great technical support. Otherwise, I'd stick with Belkin or Linksys(Cisco Corporation).

Edit: Say, how is it down under these days? I haven't been there in some time but recall my time there quite fondly... And recall being somewhat of a playboy at the high school I visited... So, send em my way... not the high schoolers though... That would be wrong... I think...

Edit: Fixed the encryption method

 

[SuAside]

1) If I have a wireless internet router from a PC, will I be able to access the internet using an Apple Mac with built in wireless?

in 99.99% of the cases it'll work. but just like there are routers that support win xp but not vista, there are routers that do not support macs. so just read the specs, it should be inthere.

but beware if you're going with one of those ultracheap 'deals of the month' crap from some random provider. usually, they've got modified (read restrictive) firmware and they cut corners somewhere.

2) If I use this wireless router, will I be able to maintain a wired connection to a PC, seeing the PC has no wireless ability?

yes, all wireless routers have at least one ethernet connection (and usually a USB one too) for administrative purposes.

And how do you go about setting up security so no one leeches?

if your only concern is leeches, you should look into WEP + mac address filtering. it'll all be explained in the manual.
if your concern is people listening in and decrypting your transmissions, you should look into higher security levels such as WPA (still coupled to mac address filtering).

 

[xdarkyrex]

You will want to use "WEP" security as there are currently no widely known tools to crack that type of encryption.

hahahahahahahaha... no.
It takes about 5 minutes to crack WEP, and perhaps as much as 30 for a newb.


Use wpa-psk.
It's pretty secure, but don't forget-
There is no such thing as a secure network.

 

[SuAside]

hahahahahahahaha... no.
It takes about 5 minutes to crack WEP, and perhaps as much as 30 for a newb.

15 for a noob if he's mastered the art of google

 

[Morbus]

Also note that the density of walls and flooring can impact your wireless network. In many older homes in the USA you run into denser REAL woods, fir and the like or better yet, concrete. These dense surfaces will be tough for that wireless signal to get through.

What do you mean? You don't use concrete to build your houses over there?! What are they made of then? Grass and straw?

About the security, avoid WEP at all costs.

 

[SuAside]

What do you mean? You don't use concrete to build your houses over there?! What are they made of then? Grass and straw?

they use a lot of pre-fab stuff and wood in their houses out there.

while most europeans use a lot of brick and concrete. (except quite a bit of scandinavians, for obvious reasons)

which is also why muricans are always so hyped over 'home defense' loads for their weapons, since the bullets pass through their walls like a hot knife through butter. it's mostly a non-issue for europeans (who usually don't defend their houses with guns anyway).

 

[Wooz]

it's mostly a non-issue for europeans (who usually don't defend their houses with guns anyway).

So true, we use 'ole grand-grand-grand dad's broadsword.

About leeching, back when I was in NYC for a couple of weeks, I had access to around seven unsecured networks from the flat I was staying. Whoopee!

 

[SuAside]

when i was still studying, we did a lil' wardrive for educational purposes. we stopped after 3 streets because it was just too fucking much (and too easy).

 

[Cromlech]

Apparently, one of my mates was able to acquire 'scandalous' photos of people in our town while doing the same. Dirty pervert that he is.

 

[Maphusio]

My mistake, I had intended to say WPA as any WEP encryption is indeed crackable. -Fixed

Edit: Wireless signals have troubles making their way through denser materials. Often times I will see basements (completely concrete) give wireless signals a headache.

Here in the USA homes really very from East to West. In the East you will see many older homes built much like European homes of the time. Wood being much more abundant slowly became the building material of choice. Also, as you progress across the US you encounter an increasingly high frequency of earth quakes. Of course, brick and morter buildings will not fair to well in the frequent seismic disturbances. Thus, wood (gives quite a bit).

Plus the whole cross pollination of cultures from all over the world have to be taken into effect. Some homes up here (Washington State) are created to emulate those from Mexico, Asia, Balkans etc.

As wireless technology is improved upon. We will see less and less issues with the signal strength... I'm not convinced one way or the other about potential environmental damage though.

 

[SuAside]

As wireless technology is improved upon. We will see less and less issues with the signal strength...

and more and more headaches and braincancer

 

[xdarkyrex]

Europeans make their houses out of bricks and concrete? Weird, every house I've ever lived in is made of wood or weird wood-like polymers.

 

[Wooz]

Europeans make their houses out of bricks and concrete? Weird, every house I've ever lived in is made of wood or weird wood-like polymers.

Yes, well, some of the <s>peasants</s> more ecologically-minded citizens do live in <s>thatched huts</s> ecological polimer buildings.