Setting up a wireless network

The Problem:

Let's consider a very typical scenario: You're a parent of two elementary-age children. You have a Mac in your bedroom and it's connected to the Internet via a router and a cable modem. Your children are computer savvy and use Google and Dictionary.com more than Webster's and Encyclopedia Britannica (the books!) You want the kids to be able to share Internet access throughout the house. What do you do?

The Solution:

Create a wireless home network for your Mac and a laptop or two for the kids. If you're not tech savvy, you may want to just hire a qualified technician to pull all the pieces together. In any case, here's what needs to be done.

1. Buy a wireless router (you can pick one up for $80 to $120) and follow the user manual instructions to personalize the login and password. Likewise, follow the steps to encrypt the wireless data so no unauthorized persons can tap into your wireless network.

2. Update the operating systems with the latest security patches. This needs to be done even if the unit is brand new. Go to www.Microsoft.com and click on "Downloads and Updates", located near the bottom right-hand side of the home page. The site will automatically scan your computer for necessary patches and give you directions. Make sure your computer is configured to automatically check for updates daily.

3. Install antivirus software. Most new laptops will come with a trial version of Norton Anitvirus or McAfee Antivirus software. If it is a trial version, go ahead and buy the one-year subscription right away. Just click on the software's icon and follow the directions. Make sure your antivirus software is current and scheduled for daily automatic updates.

4. Enable the built-in firewall in the new laptop's operating system. You can also download a free one at www.ZoneAlarm.com. Make sure the firewall is automatically enabled whenever the laptop is turned on, whether at home, at school, a friend’s home, or the mall..

5. Download the free software Ad-aware and Spybot Search & Destroy from www.Download.com <http://www.Download.com> . You will need to run both programs weekly to help combat the recent surge in spyware. Otherwise, spyware will eventually wreck havoc with your computer's health.

6. Invest in NetNanny (www.netnanny.com) or similar software to help restrict your child's access to certain types of web sites. Along these lines, set boundaries with your child as to what is acceptable computer use and what is not. Discuss not dealing with strangers, including an admonishment against sharing private information. You may want to create an email account with a "white list" of approved email addresses. Given their age, you may also want to restrict your children's web surfing to "public" spaces in the home, so you can keep an eye on what they are doing.

7. Configure the network to share your printer.

8. Once you are confident you will keep the laptops, write your name and phone number on each one. That will give you a chance of recovering it in the event of loss or theft. For the same reason, note the manufacturer, model and serial number of the laptops and store that info in your fire-resistant safe.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). Please feel free to send your questions, comments and suggestions to Mr. Kerr. He can be reached at kerr@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.