Netgear is good but there is setup is not as easy as the linksys. The difference isnt worth the additional headache for configuring for a novice. Stick with the linksys.

 

I use Netgear. My wife has a laptop and connects wireless, I have a Dell and connect via wire, then to the DSL modem. I also trashed Norton. It's crap as far as I'm concerned. I have been using PC-cillin for 3 years now and haven't had more than a couple of problems with spyware. No viruses have gotten past it and it accurately marks spam in your e-mail. As a matter of fact, I just renewed today for $25. Check it out. It's probably one of the TOP and BEST programs out there. It is anti-virus, anti-spam, has personal security, automatic net disconnect when under threat of attack, anti-hacker (port protection), etc. Go to Trend Micro Inc. for more info. I highly recommend it.

 

Hey thanks, even though it wasn't directed towards me. I wanted to ask that question. I have Norton now but was thinking of changing. I also heard McAphee was good.

 

google "anti-virus program comparison" and you should come up with lots of info an a number of programmes.

 

I think it's easier swicht to Mac

 

Considering that macs are running Intel chips and Mac OS will be able to run on any generic PC before too long there's not much of a difference.

 

I've had both D-Link and Linksys routers (I upgraded from 802.11b D-Link to 802.11g Linksys) and I've had problems with the Linksys. It seems to lose connections sporadically, requiring the router to be powered off and then on. A search of several networking helf forums, and Linksys' own help forum, suggest this is a known problem that affects some (not all) Linksys users. Unfortunately, it seems there is no sure fix. Some people have luck upgrading firmware, others (including me) don't. My model is the WRT54G. For this reason, I have a hard time recommending Linkysis.

It's too bad, because the Linksys was a bit easier to set up (great guides) than the D-Link. The D-Link was much more stable, though.

Netgear are also supposed to be pretty good.

I also agree that a software firewall is essential. There are lot of decent ones available. Norton Internet Security has become bloated, but it is probably one of the easier ones to set up and use; it comes preconfigured with 'rules' that allow appropriate access to the 'net for programs that need it. That really makes it easier to set up.

Good luck!

 

This is the same problem I have with my linksys. Firmware doesn't remedy the problem. I have and old wired 4 port. I hear the problem has gotten worse not better lately.

 

Well, Cisco has bought out Linksys. I am sure Cisco isn't gonna put their name on junk. The older models might have a bunch of bugs, but I am sure the newer ones will be top notch.

 

I frequent alot of Network forums too and I have not heard of anyone having issues with any of the versions of the Linksys WRT54G. I have yet to hear a bad experince from anyone til now. There are lemons in everything and you might have one.
What version is yours?


I am exactly the opposite on both.

In short problems with Dlink till it crashed and I got the WRT54G and fell in love with it. Norton has always caused me conflicts and system crashes on all 4 computers. It finally crashed on this one and wouldnt uninstall or install I had to go thru and delete all files off the drive, then search the registry and delete al entries there too just ot get the system running. So I am using earthlinks free AV and Firewall right now on this one till I can find something I like better. Then I will replace norton on the others too at that time.

I dont recomend Norton or McAfee, they are both to common so both are targets for attacks. The virus makers work hard to find the vulnerabilities in both of them and exploit them, it's like runnning Microsoft Internet Explorer. Nothing, beside unplugging from the net is 100% safe, but those are all high profile, most commonly used so are main targets for attacks. Software is specifically designed to penetrate thier weak points.

 

I agree, and the wrt54g is a gem in a box.
With a few tweaks version 1-4 have the capbilities of a $600 pro router, (version 5 has the same capbilities it's just a little tougher) Cisco figured out what they had accidently released for $50....
With 1-4 you can do VoIP, or it can be configured and used as a repeater, VPN, etc, etc, etc. Everything a high end router will do.
I havent even used 5% of it's capabilities yet.

 

I have no idea when or if cisco has redesigned any of the linksys stuff. All I know is the problem does still exist. In my case it's nothing major, but some people have big time issues with it. I only have to reset maybe once a week.

Here's mine, you can read some of the reviews and see what I'm talking about.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRa...82E16833124001

 

A router will help you out. On the ip side it is possible for him to have a static ip from comcast which would be harder for him to reset because they keep them set for 6 months at a time. If he's on dhcp it will reset every 2-3 weeks, and resetting the modem won't always make it pull a new ip either. ( I know because I used to work for them.)

 

Here's a good place to read up on Linksys products, problems and solutions. Lots of discussion about the wrt54g routers, all the differnet versions, releases and firmwares.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/linksys

 

Thanks, I'll take a look. I'd really like to find a resolution to this problem. It's darn annoying to have keep powering this thing down.