What is a hardware firewall? Wi-Fi Facts Tips And Problem Solvers

If my router has one, do I need to run the Windows firewall or other third-party firewall software?

Wireless routers have a hardware firewall that safeguards the network by providing both incoming and outgoing protection. A hardware firewall will include network address translation (NAT) capabilities that make your PC invisible to anyone trying to attack it. If you enable the hardware firewall, you probably don't need a third-party software firewall. You should still run the Windows firewall, however, because it keeps a low profile and will stop basic worms if your PC gets hit by a drive-by downloader.

Should I worry about people grabbing my information when I browse the Web at public hot spots?

Yes, you should at least consider this possibility. Anyone can install packet-sniffing software that will enable him or her to eavesdrop on what you do at a public hot spot. These snoops can read your e-mails and see what Web sites you visit, but they will not have access to the files on your laptop, unless you have file sharing enabled. And they cannot see any messages or Web pages sent over the secure server connections typically used by banks and e-commerce sites.

If you use a VPN to access your corporate network, you can use it at hot spots to encrypt all transmissions and shield them from packet sniffers. If you don't have a corporate VPN but frequently use public hot spots, you might consider a consumer VPN service such as the PersonalVPN from Witopia ($39.99 per year, www.witopia.net) or BlowFish from HotSpotVPN ($10.88 to $13.88 per month, www.hotspotvpn.com). These employ powerful 128-bit encryption to protect your data as it is transmitted.

Should I allow other people to access my Wi-Fi service? Wi-Fi Security Tips And Facts

Some users often see no harm in sharing there Wi-Fi signals, giving neighbors and even total strangers free access to the Internet. Others hold fast that piggybacking can open their networks to potential danger. The decision is yours, but if you choose not to encrypt, make sure to disable file sharing. Assuming you have your hardware firewall turned on, the worst that probably will happen is that your throughput will drop if your piggybacking friends crank up BitTorrent every evening. If you want to determine whether others are using your unsecured network, most routers have a page that lists all the wireless clients currently connected.

Some people, are not comfortable with the idea of allowing just anyone to use their wireless service. Feeling that that kinda practice can make your network vulnerable to hackers, since anyone who uses your wireless signal is on your home network. Malevolent users, for instance, could release nasty viruses or hijack your PC. That's not vary likely, but you should avoid the possibility by using WPA to protect yourself and keep others off your network.

How do I share files on a wireless network? Wi-Fi Problem Fixs

You will need to set up a workgroup and make sure that all PCs are assigned to the same workgroup, then enable file sharing in Windows. First, right-click on the folder you want to share, choose Sharing and Security from the right-click menu, then click the Sharing tab. Put checks in the boxes labeled "Share this folder on a network" and "Allow network users to change my files" to enable others to modify the documents. Now just, click OK.

Which wireless channel should I use? Wi-Fi Tips and Tricks

Wireless 802.11b and 802.11g routers have 11 channels in the United States and 13 in Europe, and most routers come set to channel 6 as the default. If you experience interference—from a neighbor's router, for instance—you can change your channel to solve the problem. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are non-overlapping channels. So if your neighbor's network uses channel 6, change your router to 1 or 11. You'll typically find channel settings on the router's basic wireless-settings page. Just click the drop-down menu and select an alternate channel, then save the settings.

How do I automatically connect to a Wi-Fi network without having to manually connect the first time? Wi-Fi Tricks And Tips

If you just want to connect fast to any available Wi-Fi network, you can set your notebook to do it automatically. Go to Control Panel > Network Connections and right-click your current wireless network. Then click Properties > Wireless Networks > Advanced. Make sure the button next to "Any available network" is on, then check the box "Automatically connect to non-preferred networks."

How do I extend the range of my wireless signal? Wi Fi Problem Solvers

Improving a wireless signal is part trial and error. No two homes are alike, and no two solutions will work for everyone, but here are some common guidelines. First, position your antenna on a high perch clear of obstructions. (The wireless signal radiates down.) Keep in mind that certain things will interfere with the signal: metal, and dense building materials such as brick, stucco, and concrete. So avoid metal pipes and construction.

If changing your Wi-Fi antenna positioning doesn't help, you can get an extender (or "repeater"), such as the Linksys Wireless-G Range Expander WRE54G, available for around $90. Devices like this will boost your range from 50 to 75 feet, A somewhat easier approach is Wireless Garden's Super Cantenna. This $39.95 tripod-mounted, high-gain antenna connects to your router and can be pointed at a specific area to amplify the signal.