Re: Switching to DSL
bubbakat ,<br />you said "...I have a good anti virus and spy bot and fire wall got fire fox and use another e-mail client but excuseme you lost me some where there...<br /><br />No, I think you got it just fine. From what you are using now, you'll be all right. <br />If you have a router when the installers drop by, they may or may not configure the router for DSL service. Some installers are slicker than others and will enter your account info into the router settings instead of installing dialing software to connect you to their system. I prefer to configure the router myself. Sometimes , especially with cable service, you are given a CD with software, with Wizards that configure your system to use their service. Again, I prefer not to install this CD. Sometimes, the software will install a modified version of Microsoft Internet Explorer, with their logos and advertising BS. Any installer worth his salt will know how to get you up and flying without the CD, if he doesn't, have him call his field supervisor. I had one installer tell me that the service wouldn't work without installing the CD, What BS.<br /><br />Tips for setting up the router:<br /><br />1. Change the default router Password (Write Down Your Password !)<br />1a. Pick a STRONG password, Don't use your address, or phone number. Mix up the words and numbers. Don't use words you can find in a dictionary.<br />1b. Bad password= MyRouter Good Password= PQS#My@rou%ter<br />2. Change the default SSID in the wireless settings (This is the name you give your wireless router)<br />2a. SSID does NOT mean Social Security Identification Number (geesh! , don't laugh, I saw it done...)<br />3. Enable encryption in the wireless settings, 128bit or higher if your equipment allows it (Write Down the WEP code!)<br />3a. If your router has WPA encryption, use it...it's better than the older WEP <br />3b Use a STRONG WPA passphrase ( see 1a,1b above) Don't use the same code as 1a either (Write Down Your Passphrase)<br /><br />There , that should keep you busy for awhile..... Here's the thing....What you're looking to do is to turn on the built-in security of the router. You'd be surprised at the numbers of folks that don't perform even the basic steps outlined above. By placing multiple layers of protection in place, you're making it more difficult for the bad guys to make you a target. <br /><br />Turning on MAC address filtering and turning OFF the beacon frame are optional. Bad guys that are scanning for 'Open' wireless routers will already have this information anyway.
But I promise when I shut down the puter I will start with the book puters for dummies and learn what I need to know.<br />I do have another comp. That I use to store certain things on and I will try the wireless route.<br />They called today and said they would be here to switch everything over the 4th so I have a few days to learn and get my goodies purchased.<br /><br />DJ I do have the option of using the cable but these hammer heads that has the cable company here are the most unfriendly people you have ever tried to deal with. I tried them for two years and finally just cut their cable a loose from the house. The company I am using is spreading out into the tv business and will be their only competition so maybe it will wake them up.<br /><br /><br /> thanks guys and merry christmas.
