Woo Hoo!

[Heretic Apostate]

I've got the new computer, AND I've managed to connect my wireless router...

So far, so good!

No probl... <connection lost>

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Okay, first question: My wireless network (such as it is, since I can't seem to connect from one computer to another?) is listed as "unsecured." Anyone able to help me take care of that? I thought I chose 128-bit encryption (password and all) in setting it up.

And I'd like to be able to access this computer (my old computer) from the other side of the house.

Not getting great reception (which is why I don't bother using my 900MHz cordless phone; too much static), but I'm generally managing 24Mps at poor to good reception. As I stated before, I wasn't counting on getting 54Mps, since that requires being within 10 feet.

Now I can start downloading patches for all my games. I've already loaded 60GB of stuff on my new computer, and have 170GB of space left. (Plus my slow-slow-slow external hard drive, another 70GB.)

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Oooh, a biggie: How do I disable the darn Windows Messenger?

 

[Galethorn]

Not sure about the security stuff, but to disable messenger, open messenger, and go to Tools>Options, and go to the Preferences tab, and uncheck 'Run this program when windows starts.'

Then, all you have to do is close it, and it won't ever bother you again...well, I dunno, I'm not going to make any promises.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Thanks, bro. Back on my old computer, I had spammers sending me jumk through Windows Messenger.

 

[reanjr]

My suggestion is to go into your router config and allow only those MAC addresses of the devices you have. Also, turn off broadcasting. 128 bit encryption is important, but doesn't really stop anyone from using your internet.

 

[reanjr]

Oooh, a biggie: How do I disable the darn Windows Messenger?

Do you really want to disable it? If you don't use it then just uninstall it. If you do want to use it, then just don't accept messages from people outside your contact list.

Unless you are talking about Windows Messaging Service (standard little notification windows with an OK button on them). My god, I got my first Messaging Service SPAM 3 years ago and went through and disabled the service for like 40 workstations within an hour. I was NOT going to allow that crap to happen.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

Yup, that's what I'm talking about. I got several in one day, and have relentlessly hunted down and disabled Messenger ever since. I'm not sure if it CAN be uninstalled (since Microsoft has a penchant for making their stuff completely impossible to remove).

On another tangent: Does anyone know why I can't seem to get my new computer to read the installation disc for Microsoft Office 2000? I can read it on my old computer, but my new computer just clicks and clicks and clicks. When I finally do get it to accept that there's a disc in the drive, it acts like it's a blank disc. I miss my Office stuff, and I want to load it up.

 

[Heretic Apostate]

My suggestion is to go into your router config and allow only those MAC addresses of the devices you have. Also, turn off broadcasting. 128 bit encryption is important, but doesn't really stop anyone from using your internet.

How do I get into a router config?

 

[WingOver]

Your user manual should have all the relevant info on securing your wireless connection. However, be aware that if you choose not to broadcast your SSID, some weird things could happen. As reanjr said, limiting by MAC address is probably the best the way to go. Check this article if you decide to hide your SSID and experience lost connections:
http://arstechnica.com/news/posts/1080251780.html

Also, the Shields Up site is awesome for security related matters. It can run probe tests over the web and give you advice on securing your router:
https://grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Have fun.