IT Queries: Computer problems answered

 I have a D-Link router networking my 2 PCs. It was great while they were linked using the cable but I have moved one PC and the wireless connection keeps breaking.
Is there a better product?
I am about to buy a laptop which I would need to add to the network, will this change things?

Wireless connections can be unreliable. Often the cause is the construction of your building or interference from other networks nad electronic devices. Sometimes the device is simply set up poorly.

The first thing to check is the location of your router or wireless base station, change the directions of the antennae and move the device away from windows, concrete and stone walls.

It is also possible the router simply isn’t up to it. Some routers do better than others in certain circumstances. Sometimes the wireless network card doesn’t play well with the rest of the network.

It’s best to start with testing where in your house the signal is good and where it isn’t. Then, experiment with the location of the router and the antennae directions.

Once you’ve found what works and doesn’t you may need to call in a computer tech. Sometimes a newer and better router doesn’t always fix wireless network problems and a tech will be best placed to deal with it.

 I have a friend that update Norton 360 and now cannot access his wireless network. He can from a wired LAN NIC. I turned off the Norton 360 firewall and the Windows firewall and it could still not access the wireless network.

Has anyone seen this?

It sounds like the incorrect software’s being used for accessing the wireless network. Some wireless adapters require you use their software rather than the built in Windows wireless configuration tool.

To switch to the other software, open the Network Connections, click on the wireless connection’s properties and in the Wireless Networks tab take the tick off “Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings”.

After rebooting you should find the wireless software has changed to the manufacturers. It may be necessary to download and upgrade the latest software for that model adapter.

I’m using a Telstra Next G Sierra Aircard 880U modem to connect to the Bigpond Wireless Network

The connection seems okay but after a few minutes it freezes up, if I swap ports the status shows “Device not Connected” the only thing I can do is restart the computer.

This is a common problem we’ve been hearing a lot about. It appears to be a problem with the software and drivers provided on the CD.

The solution is to download the drivers and firmware for the 880u from the Sierra website, they have both Mac and Windows software. Make sure you download both the software and firmware upgrades and print out the instructions.

Follow the instructions, running the software update first. It’s important to let these installation wizards complete without interruption so make sure your laptop is plugged into a power source.

Be careful in the setup process with the service you choose; if you are Telstra subscriber the settings are different to the Bigpond service. You may have to contact Telstra or Bigpond for further instructions.

I have home networked 2 computers, both running Windows XP, with a router. The router (Netgear) has both cable and wireless capabilities. I use the cable networking.

I’ve read some information on the PC Rescue site about securing home wireless networking, but what I want to know is how do I now check whether or not my computer is safer from people using the wireless. How do they do it?

First, I hope your neighbour has told the kids to get off your network. If they use up your data allowance for the month you’ll end up footing the bill or putting up with a slow connection.

Worse, if another neighbour decides to do something illegal, it’s in their interests to do it through your unsecured wireless connection. That way, the police will be raiding your place rather than theirs.

So it’s absolutely essential you get the security settings right on your wireless network.

To do this you’ll have to log onto your router and change the wireless security settings. We suggest setting the wireless encryption to WPA and using a passkey of at least ten letters and numbers that isn’t immediately obvious to your neighbours, that means not using the dog’s or kid’s names.

Doing this varies with the model router you have, basically you have to log onto the management website built into the router and look for the wireless security settings.

This should be explained in your router’s manual. If you don’t understand it, then call for some assistance.

Securing your wireless network is absolutely essential. If you fail to do this you can be exposed to large bills and embarrassing accusations. Do it now.