Notebook Set-up

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I am contemplating buying a notebook, not having worked with wireless systems, I am looking for a short tutorial on what to do first.

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This depends on what other networking components you already have.

What other computers do you have at home?
Do you have an existing wireles network?
Do you have an existing wired network?
What kind of Internet connection do you have?

Tell us a bit about what networking devices you already have and how they are connected together, and we will try to offer some advice.

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This depends on what other networking components you already have.

What other computers do you have at home?
A desktop
Do you have an existing wireles network?
Not having had any wireless experience no
Do you have an existing wired network?
No
What kind of Internet connection do you have?
Wired

Tell us a bit about what networking devices you already have and how they are connected together, and we will try to offer some advice.

None except for a Netgear Router

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What model router is your netgear?

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DG834Gv3

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Well, you *do* have the ability to set up a wireless network. If you haven’t done any of the wireless configuration, you might just be providing free wireless to anyone in the immediate vicinity of your home. Use these steps to configure your wireless security. When you purchase your devices (I don’t know if any manufacturer makes a laptop without a wireless card built in nowadays), you ought to be able to use a wireless connection wizard to connect your notebook to the router. It will be easier to help you with those steps once you make your purchase decisions. The BLUF (bottom line up front) is that every situation is different, and until you have your devices (or a good idea of what your purchases will include), any recommendations are just informational, and not for action. Hope this helps!

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I strongly recommend that when you configure your router you select WPA-PSK security, the alternative is WEP and this is so easy to hack that you might as well not bother.

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I strongly recommend that when you configure your router you select WPA-PSK security, the alternative is WEP and this is so easy to hack that you might as well not bother.

Which one?

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Which one?

Your only sensible options are

[*]WPA2-PSK – if your laptop supports this, which it probably will
[*]WPA-PSK – if your laptop doesn’t support WPA2

The 802.1 protocols require a server to authenticate users.

WEP is so insecure that you might as well not bother, a half competent hacker with a standard laptop can crack a WEP protected network with MAC address hiding and no SSID broadcast in about 45 minutes.

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I hear this very often, and it’s always puzzled me.
Verizon FIOS uses WEP by default, and I suspect it’s for compatibility. For instance, I have a mixture of Mac, Linux, XP and Win7 computers and some older hardware, so WPA isn’t even an option.
I do not believe anyone is going to sit in my parking lot, or even in a nearby unit and spend 45 minutes or more hacking my WiFi.
I’ve looked at this hack, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Even if such a hack occurred, what would a hacker get? I suppose the consequences could be dire in the most extreme case, but I don’t exactly have a fortune to steal, and I know there’s limited liability in such cases.
In short, while I can see the advantage of WPA for those with state secrets, terrorists and others with info worth concealing, I think this vulnerability is way over blown for most of us.

Your only sensible options are

[*]WPA2-PSK – if your laptop supports this, which it probably will
[*]WPA-PSK – if your laptop doesn’t support WPA2

The 802.1 protocols require a server to authenticate users.

WEP is so insecure that you might as well not bother, a half competent hacker with a standard laptop can crack a WEP protected network with MAC address hiding and no SSID broadcast in about 45 minutes.

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…
I do not believe anyone is going to sit in my parking lot, or even in a nearby unit and spend 45 minutes or more hacking my WiFi.
…

[*]There are MANY people who think that hacking private wireless networks is a sport.
[*]Scammers and spammers like to use this method to start work, as it ensures that someone else will take the blame if anything is ever traced back to their internet connection
[*]Someone who connects to your wireless network will be INSIDE your hardware firewall, and in a position to compromise your computers much more easily.
[*]Many people have received bans or restricted bandwidth from their ISP due to their internet connection being used for illegal uploads
[*]Many people have bandwidth limitations and if someone else is piggy-backing on their network this will use it all up

AND there is often no good reason for continuing to use WEP.

I do agree that there are some unusual circumstances where WEP is the only choice, but it should be avoided wherever possible.

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I hear this very often, and it’s always puzzled me.
Verizon FIOS uses WEP by default, and I suspect it’s for compatibility. For instance, I have a mixture of Mac, Linux, XP and Win7 computers and some older hardware, so WPA isn’t even an option.
I do not believe anyone is going to sit in my parking lot, or even in a nearby unit and spend 45 minutes or more hacking my WiFi.
I’ve looked at this hack, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Even if such a hack occurred, what would a hacker get? I suppose the consequences could be dire in the most extreme case, but I don’t exactly have a fortune to steal, and I know there’s limited liability in such cases.
In short, while I can see the advantage of WPA for those with state secrets, terrorists and others with info worth concealing, I think this vulnerability is way over blown for most of us.

My daughter has Fios, also set as WEP by default. I set it for WPA2-PSK and it works fine. Yes, perhaps the chance of a drive by hack is remote, but how about a neighbor! When I look at networks available, I can see several of my neighbors networks as well as mine. I’m sure they can see mine as well. That’s why I set the highest level of security with a strong password. I also use MAC filtering to make it even more difficult to access my router. I DO NOT want my neighbors access to the internet on my dime!!!

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I’m a firm believer that locks and keys only keep “honest people honest”. Personally, I don’t like some of the issues that arise with WPA-PSK, so I use a combination of WEP, MAC filtering, and I do not broadcast my SSID. Right now, because you don’t have a notebook, I’d just shut off the wireless. After you buy your notebook, you can figure out what will work best for you.

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” I don’t like some of the issues that arise with WPA-PSK”

What “issues” in particular have been problematic?

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StuartR, its my theory that if its not done properly why bother. So i will be going it the way you suggested

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And use a very strong password/key!

cheers, Paul

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And use a very strong password/key!

I will use my own generated password. When I got my first PC 3 years ago I got a book from local library by an American Mark Chambers, it explained how to set up ‘wireless’ . there must be some of same on the web, as yet I have not found it:ph34r:

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Assume that somebody manages to hack into your network and then guesses your logon name and password for your computer. They are then in a position to steal your identity, install key loggers and collect your banking details, or spam the world from your computer.

Even if you have no money and don’t care about being cloned, the police will make your life hell until you can prove it wasn’t you and you don’t need that sort of hassle.

cheers, Paul

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RR, what have you not yet found on the web?

cheers, Paul

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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PT, how to manually set up a laptop (new) as I am a complete ‘dummy’ as far as working with laptops and wireless connection.

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Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

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Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

Reply | Quote

Make sure your wireless router is on, with security setup etc and broadcasting. When you unbox and switch on your new laptop, it should detect your router (and possibly any others within range…). It should offer to connect to the router, and at that point it should ask for your WPA password. 

Type that into the box and bob’s yer uncle.

POINT TO REMEMBER. Make sure the laptop has an antivirus and firewall in place, and update the signatures as soon as you get connected to the Internet. (In fact, it might be worth while using a wired connection to you router to do that before you start wirelessing)

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Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

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Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

I thought that to install wirelessly it had to be started as a wired connection

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I thought that to install wirelessly it had to be started as a wired connection

I think that Rebel means that you should do your “housekeeping” – update antivirus and operating system etc – while connected with an ethernet cable, then when everything there is ok, disconnect the cable and go ahead with your wireless setup. 

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Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

I’m not JonW, but if I may make a few comments:
If you are purchasing a new computer, the OS will already be installed. All you will have to do is power on the machine and answer a few questions specific to your own geographic regional settings, keyboard preferences, and a few others. In most cases, if you have to make “recovery discs”, this will be one of the last things to do.

If you already have your desktop connected to the internet through your router, then the logical sequence is as follows:

1) Connect your new laptop to the router (wired connection) – you should have an internet connection to obtain the latest updates to the OS as well as to activate the OS (if necessary). This can be done at a later time, but it’s just as easy to do at this time. Don’t worry about an AV program at this time – you will probably be connecting to only Microsoft sites during the setup.
2) Obviously then, power on the laptop and proceed through the configuration of the OS (as described above).
3) Install your AV or Internet Security software and get the latest updates.
4) Obtain all of the latest updates to the OS (Windows Update)
5) Make your recovery discs.
Unplug your wired connection to the router and then go ahead and set up your wireless connection.
Hope this helps.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

Reply | Quote

Hi jonW, this is my theory on starting from beginning, please correct me if i’m wrong.

1, connect to a power outlet. 2, make if necessary ‘recovery’ discs. 3, install OS. 4, Connect to router by wire. 5, Install AV etc. 6, Get all updates. 7, Charge inbuilt battery. 8, set up for wireless.

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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What Rebel said

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Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

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Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

Reply | Quote

Thanks my new friends one and all. I should get it in a few days, watch this space.:cheers::cheers:

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It is not necessary to use a wired connection for set up, but it does remove one possible source of problems.

To set up a wireless connection
1. Obtain a 63 bit WPA password and save it in your password safe.
2. Connect to your router using a wired connection and set the router wireless mode to WPA2 PSK or WPA PSK and paste your WPA password into the shared key box.
3. Copy the WPA password onto a USB key.
4. Turn on your laptop and open the wireless network connection wizard.
5. Search for your router and connect – use WPA2 or WPA, same as the router.
6. Copy the WPA password from the USB key into the shared key box on the laptop.

You should now have a connection to the router, your other computer and the internet. Make sure Windows firewall is turned on and update Windows and your Anti Virus.

cheers, Paul

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Well my good friends, I now have a laptop. I did try to post earlier but something unknown happened when I Clicked ‘Add Reply’ As it was a long reply I never had time to try it again till now.
I have tried WEP 64 and 128 bit, and WPA PSK plus no security but with ‘Access Control’ turned on.
No matter what settings I used my LT takes about 5 minutes to power up, plus pages are slow but not too slow to load.
I use CCleaner and Auslogics defrag, lus uninstall most of the sh one t that came pre loaded.
P.S. I got all above security to work and currently using WPA PSK.

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No matter what settings I used my LT takes about 5 minutes to power up, plus pages are slow but not too slow to load.
I use CCleaner and Auslogics defrag, lus uninstall most of the sh one t that came pre loaded.

Please tell us more about the hardware – what CPU, how much RAM, hard disk size.

You should also use a tool such as Autoruns for Windows or WhatInStartup – Disable/delete programs at Windows startup to examine what is being started when you boot the system. For Autoruns just look at the “Logon” tab. Post a screenshot if you are not sure of what you are seeing.

Joe

--Joe

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JoeP is this what is needed?

The unnamed partition is Acronis Secure Zone

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JoeP is this what is needed?

The unnamed partition is Acronis Secure Zone

Well, I’d prefer if you used one of the two programs that I linked to. They give a more complete picture of what is happening.

Based on the WEI rating of 2.7 and the CPU speed of 1.2 GHz, you re not going to be able to improve you performance very much.

Joe

--Joe

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To check if it’s the wireless or the LT, turn off the wireless on the LT then plug it into the router direct. Now test the same things on the same sites.

cheers, Paul

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This is one solution I found but what why when or how is beating me.

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Thanks JoeP, I’ll just have to get used to switching it on 5 minutes before I need it.

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Thanks JoeP, I’ll just have to get used to switching it on 5 minutes before I need it.

If you can use one of the tools that I pointed out there may be some tweaking that can be done.

Joe

--Joe

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JoeP, as requested.

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JoeP, as requested.

Unless you use Windows Live Messenger a lot, disable it from starting when your machine starts.

If you don’t use the Real Tek Voice Manager disable skytel.exe.

You really don’t have a lot of stuff starting automatically. I think it may be a function of the CPU & disk speed.

Joe

--Joe

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JoeP, I have done as suggested, now its slower compared with post #36.

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JoeP, the other extracts from Event Viewer were done on ‘battery power’. Now its even slower:wub:

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JoeP, the other extracts from Event Viewer were done on ‘battery power’. Now its even slower:wub:

You might have to use the machine normally and boot it a dozen or more times (i.e. once a day if that is what you normally do) until it settles down to a regular pattern.

Joe

--Joe

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JoeP, I know from my desktop PC, it took about 7 days to settle after Service Pack 1 & 2 were installed. On my LT after SP2 was installed I cmd ran compcln.exe
I think it will improve over time. Thanks very much for your advice.

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