comp/net virus protection

[tw]

Originally Posted by Shawnee123

tw, I found the netgear smart wizard wireless assistant...he had a shortcut on the desktop. Was this what you meant? It has everything, I think. He did tell me about the network name and the key, which are there also.

That would be one page from the router for both wireless and for wired LAN (local area network). (Record that password if required for access.)

One side of those boxes is your LAN (wireless and ethernet / CAT5 cables). Other side is the outside world - the WAN.

For example, network name and encryption code is for wireless operation. Best recorded just in case something happens. Maybe front panel lights report computers hardwired. Record those lights to know what a good connection looks like. Status page IP address (such as 192.168.1.1) also recorded for future convenience.

Another status page may have other information such as numbers for the WAN (wide area network). Don't remember. Is your WAN was cable, DSL, or FIOS (the ISP)? Each would have some numbers that define upload and download data rates, signal to noise ratios, error numbers, or something equivalent. You currently have a good system. So record (or print) those numbers just to know what a good system looks like.

Hopefully, those status pages report what is between your computer and that router/modem. Another status page reports what is between that router/modem and your ISP. If any problems, well, which page shows bad numbers? The bad page tells you which direction to go for help. No more 'try this and try that' speculation.

Old router was Netgear. Recording these new model numbers (when convenient) means, if problems occur, you don't have to fight through dust balls to read those numbers later.

Put all in an envelope under the router.

I usually write the router wireless name and security (WEP) code one a sticky label. Mount that sticky label near the router. Then a new wireless computer can connect by simply reading that number from a convenient location. Some ideas to avert future confusion.