Ack, more computer hassle!

[linaewen]

We were so tickled last night, we got all our computers working together in tandem, we were even sharing files and having a great time, each being online and doing our own thing -- granted, we had to unplug and reset the router every now and then to stay online, but that's no big deal.

However, it seems that we have an "intruder" who is using our wireless connection without our say so, so we are trying to deal with that. We have realized that the setup CD which came with the router did the quick and dirty setup -- which means it didn't set up any security that allows us to lock it down so no one but our wee little family network can use it. So.... we found the REAL how-to manual on the CD and are reading it, and have learned it is possible to secure our router -- it looks complicated, but I was following the explanation, so it can't be too bad, hee!

So, for now we are back to one computer online, until we can figure out how to make Mr. Intruder Who Probably Lives Nearby go find someone else's free wireless connection to use. ;-) Not that we begrudge someone using the connection in particular, except it probably is one step closer to them accessing our home network and having a look at all our files. They can oggle Sean Bean screen caps all they want, but there are some other things we'd rather people we don't know didn't see.

Hopefully by the end of the day we'll have that all figured out. Hopefully, also by the end of the day, I will have the following goals whipped into submission:

Go for a walk, before it starts raining again
Clean up the kitchen, before the dishevelment starts encroaching on other areas of the house
Try to wrestle and hogtie our "important" papers, before they take over even more flat surfaces
Go watch my DH play softball this evening, if the game isn't rained out

Comments

[shirebound]

They can oggle Sean Bean screen caps all they want

That's obviously their intention! (BTW, how do you know when an "intruder" is using your wireless connection?)

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Some software that came with the router that we used to set up our network shows everyone who is logged on to the network, and this person was an extra one, when we were all accounted for.

The software turns out to be only a 30 day trial, so we might not have that ability later, but at least it came in handy now. We'll see what happens when we try setting up our LAN using another network wizard.

I'm starting to sound pretty geeky, eh? I feel a Boromir the Computer Expert conversation coming on!!

[estellye.livejournal.com]

That is one reason I am very fond of my Mac. It has it's drawbacks upon occasion but at least for the time being, security isn't as complicated for which I am grateful. Of course I have a Mac because working as a designer, 90% of us are on a Mac so it makes communicating a tad easier.

I hope you get all that resolved and accomlish your list of goals so you can go to bed feeling accomplished this Monday night! (((Lin)))

[kimbys-place.livejournal.com]

Well, the nerve of some people! I've heard of that happening but really, how intrusive. People can "steal" cable too, using the same means. I hope you can get it all properly locked down and get all those papers cleaned up.
I took my walk today and the weather is simply fab- I hope you are/will be able to get your walk and the ball game in tonight! Love you!

[true-gaudior.livejournal.com]

Which router did you get? They all have several different options for controlling access. They are all also configurable via your web browser, so that also makes it easy. The things you want to look for are:

1. Turning off the SSID. This is the little name tag that tells the world the name of your wireless network. It won'[t keep somebody out who is looking for a network,but it will help with accidental hookups.

(BTW, this may be what is happening with your 'intruder'. Windows XP, when running on a wireless card looks for the strongest wireless network, and joins it, by default. It happens without the user even knowing. Your intruder may be simply an accidental trespasser.)

2. Turn on WPA security. This is a bit of a pain, because it involves copying long pass phrases to your client computers, and if you get them wrong, you lose wireless connectivity. It is secure, however.

You can also choose to ignore it. I keep my wireless access point open, because it doesn't hurt anything, and sharing the bandwidth is part of the internet culture. If someone started abusing it, I can shut them down, but so far, no harm, no foul.

If you want to take this off-line email me with details on your setup.

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I wouldn't be surprised if you are right about the accidental person and why it is accidental -- which relieves my mind somewhat.

I think we might have got it set up now, with some security, and it seems to be working. But I shall make note of these suggestions, and definitely talk to you if we run into more complications!

Our router is called D-Link AirPlus ExtremeG.