Is there any way to make my cable internet wireless? Like something I can buy to plug my modem into so I dont have to be wired all the time?

 

a wireless router.

I suggest Linksys WRT54G

Instead of plugging your modem into your computer you run it inot the router than it broadcast your internet wireless plus you can have up to 4 computers or other network devices on cable at teh same time.

 

sounds good, I just bought it...

 

you'll be happy.

 

thanks! I Hope. I wonder how far the range is? Like if I could use it in my garage, about 200' from where the router will be in my house.

 

Doubt it, if so it would be really really weak signal probably slower tha ndial up. Unless you get a repeater or some high gain antennas. For the cost of the high gain antennas, you can buy a repeater.

going through 5 walls / 40' in my house then my signal is poor in the very back of the house.

 

One thing to rember with wireless is the angle it goes through a wall.
It may only be a 4" thick wall, but if it is 10' long, you have teh router on one side and the computer on the other at opposite ends. Then the signal is going through 10' of wall to get to the computer.

 

I just got one of those for free tonight. I downloaded all the necessary software and my computer won't recognize the router. Maybe it's bad. Or maybe I am just stupid. Nah.

BTW, I have dsl.

 

Routers do not need software to work.

What router and DSL modem do you have? Does your computer have an Ethernet connection and are the drivers for it installed?

 

You shouldn't need any software. Type 192.168.1.1 into your browser and see if you can access it (the router).

You may first need to log into your modem and set it to Bridged Mode. I had some problems with that when I set up my network.

 

I'll bet a doughnut that it's likely just an IP conflict with your DSL modem... no problem... try this.

Turn off and disconnect the modem, only have the Router plugged into the computer....
Boot router, when it turns orange, then boot computer

Open a web browser
in the address bar type 192.168.1.1
a box will pop up that says,

Server: 192.168.1.1
Message: WRT54G

and will ask for your username and password
Leave the username blank
for a password type admin

This will take you into the router
under the "Setup" tab
On the "Basic setup" page then you will find Local IP Address:
It will have 4 boxes, and they will say [192].[168].[1].[1]
Change the first .[1] to a .[2] so it reads [192].[168].[2].[1]

Hit save settings
notice that the addres in the browser just changed to 192.168.2.1
this will now be the new IP adress for the router, to access it again you will now type 192.168.2.1 instead from now on.

Close your browser
Shut down computer and router by unplugging it from power

Plug modem back in to router
boot modem, when it connects then boot the router, after the router light turns orange, then boot the computer.

Presto

if you got it used someone may have already changed the IP and we'll have to go in and find out what the IP is, not a problem either, just let me know.

 

Don't forget to setup security on that wireless router! No need to advertise your SSID either. Since it your dollar,no need to let anyone else use it for free.

 

Don't forget to setup security on that wireless router! No need to advertise your SSID either. Since it your dollar,no need to let anyone else use it for free.

 

With my Linksys, I can sit on the Chitter that is about 60' from my router, and still surf the net at "Blazing Speeds"

 

That was the coolest thing ever when I first set mine up.
For a long time I could even tell you the first post I made on here from the John!