Internet Security

What kind of router do you have? By which I mean, what exact make and model?

i have a linksys wireless-b broadband router

Get the model number and download the instruction manual from the website because every router is different. With Linksys tho you would just type in 192.168.1.1 to get into the settings, the username and password is probably admin/admin but check the manual for that and there you can enable wireless security, either WEP or WPA.

There is a good guide here on configuring the Linksys. I believe the use "admin" for the administrator and leave the password blank.

The model you've got only has WEP security. Unfortunately, WEP can be cracked within a couple of minutes. You might want to consider a new router, one that will also offer a faster wireless connection.

CdnPhoto said:

The model you've got only has WEP security. Unfortunately, WEP can be cracked within a couple of minutes. You might want to consider a new router, one that will also offer a faster wireless connection.

Click to expand...

Agreed.

I highly recommend the Apple Airport Extreme or Express. Because they are not only super easy to setup for the average user, but they are really secure and integrate really well with the Mac. What's kind of neat about the express is you can adjust the transmission power so that you can prevent people outside of your home from picking up your signal. I set one up for one of my friends because he didn't need an extreme like I did

http://www.apple.com/ca/airportextreme/

http://www.apple.com/ca/airportexpress/

As others have mentioned, you can access it by going to 192.168.1.1 in your browser. Linksys's passwords are usually "admin" and have no user.

It's been a while since I have used a linksys, so I can't tell you which tab it is under.

A tip for password protection. Avoid at all costs WEP, it is a flawed, it can be cracked in under a 1 minute, they also give you a long key that you will not be able to remember, but you only have WEP, then go for it, flawed is better than none. WPA has many advantages, the password is easier to remember(you set the password), and because the way the system is set up it is very unlikely for anyone other than you to use it.

A password to network configuration and WEP/WPA password are different.