Home      Home Networking      Internet      Connected Home      SuperSite for Windows      WinInfo News

Featured story:
New Wireless Standards in the Works
Like most technologies, wireless networking is evolving at a rapid clip. Although most wireless installations this year will likely be of the 11Mbps 802.11b (Wi-Fi) variety, newer, faster versions are already superseding 802.11b. But the future of wireless isn't all about faster speeds; it's also about lower prices and easier configuration. As you might expect, Microsoft has an interest in this market. Source: Connected Home Magazine, April 17, 2002.

Get the Latest IE 6 Updates
Microsoft's Internet Explorer 6 Web browser sets a new standard in privacy, reliability, and flexibility, but make sure it's up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. The latest patch, Q321232, eliminates all previously addressed security vulnerabilities, as well as any newly discovered vulnerabilities affecting Internet Explorer. Microsoft recommends that you download the patch now to protect your computer from these vulnerabilities, and I agree. Get it today at the Microsoft Web site.

Other Internet articles by Paul Thurrott
Hub of a Connected Home: To PC or Not to PC
A new generation of connected entertainment devices is appearing this year, and many of those devices seek to usurp control of digital media tasks from the PC and move them into your living room. I can understand why many people want to enjoy digital photos and movies on their TV, which is usually much bigger than their PC monitor. Source: Connected Home Magazine, April 3, 2002.

Sharing an Internet Connection
You have a connection to the Internet�either through a dial-up modem or a broadband solution such as cable modem, DSL, or satellite�and a home network using wired or wireless solutions. The next step is to connect the two and share your external connection so that people using any PC on your home network can access the Internet. Thanks to today's modern OSs, some simple networking hardware, and a little know-how, sharing your Internet connection is easier than ever. Source: Connected Home Magazine, March 6, 2002.

Put the Internet Where You Want it to Be
Late last summer, I bought a Proxim Symphony wireless solution for my home network, discovered I needed Windows 98 to configure it, and promptly relegated it to the pile of electronic detritus that decorates the corner of my office. Like many of you, I have a pretty serious setup at home, something that is so far beyond the statistical norm it'd be funny if it hadn't cost me so much. A cable/DSL router mans my cable modem connection. The router connects to a 100Mbps switch and the rest of my network, currently three desktops and two laptops. But the limiting factor is that all of the machines are in the same room: I've never gotten around to wiring the whole house for Ethernet. And over the past several months, my thoughts have turned again and again to a wireless solution as an alternative, given my reliance on Internet connectivity. So 2 weeks ago, I finally got everything hooked up. I can't believe I waited this long. Source: Connected Home Magazine, June 14, 2001.

Internet tips
From Connected Home Magazine
Save Money When Going Wireless
Many people assume that you need to get a wireless access point in order to add wireless devices to your home network, but that's not the case. A thrifty alternative is to forego the access point and simply install a wireless network interface card (NIC) in one of your home PCs, and configure it to work in ad-hoc, rather than infrastructure, mode. Then, any wireless-equipped laptops can be configured this way, and you'll be up and running, sans access point, and at a savings of at least $100.

Say Goodnight, Even When on the Road
One of the coolest new features in Windows XP is Windows Messenger, which lets you perform text chats and audio and video conferencing. But video conferencing doesn't have to be work related, despite its name: If you go on the road a lot, bring along a Web camera and you can say goodnight to your family back home, even when you're not there. Optimally, both sides of the conversation (home and the traveler) will have a Web cam, so they can see each other. It's the next best thing to being there.

Keep It Secure with Wireless
Following up on last week's tip, if you do go the wireless route, be sure that you're securing your home network against intrusion. Many wireless networks are automatically set up so that someone with a wireless card could come by your house--or live next door--and access your home network, and the Internet, using your connection. To ensure that your data is safe, and your network bandwidth isn't compromised from the outside, there are a couple of simple things you can do. First, make sure your wireless access point isn't broadcasting its SSID, which will prevent most cards from even finding your network. Then, harden your network from the outside, by hard coding the MAC addresses of your wireless cards into the management software for your access point, so that only your machines can use the network. Be sure to use 128-bit encryption if possible, and if you're using a bridged network, with wireless and wired components, consider keeping them separate so that machines on the wireless network can't access resources on the wired one. Also, be sure that you've got the latest firmware update for your wireless access point; many companies, such as Apple, Linksys, and others, have shipped crucial security updates for their hardware.
 

Home

Home Networking
Internet
Connected Home

SuperSite for Windows
WinInfo News
Great XP Digital Media