How to Create a Wireless Network

Computer networking is a great way to collaborate with other computer users in your home or office. While it is becoming increasingly easy for the basic computer user, it can still be a difficult, frustrating experience for many people.
Steps
1. Decide on what type of network you wish to install. We will be covering how to install a wireless network including 2 desktop computers, 1 laptop, and a High Speed Internet (HSI) connection. If you wish to install a wired network, this manual is not for you.
2. Purchase the following items for your Wireless Network:
* Wireless router (with switch)
* 2 PC wireless adapters for the desktop computers
* 1 Laptop wireless adapter for the wireless laptop
3. Connect the wireless router to your High Speed Connection by turning off all units, including the computers. Simply use an Ethernet cable (which usually comes with your High Speed Internet Connection) to connect your HSI modem to the WAN port on your wireless router.
4. Open your desktop computers and install the PC adapters, or purchase USB adapters that do not require you to open your computer. Also install any necessary software on each machine. Older operating systems need some drivers installed.
5. Install the wireless PC card in your laptop, and install the included software. Then, shut down all computers.
6. Turn on your new items in this order:
* 1. Your HSI modem (wait for all lights to return to normal).
* 2. Your New Wireless Router (wait for it to start up fully).
* 3. The computers. They should find the wireless router and connect to the network and the internet through the new router.
Tips
1. To create a network that does not include internet access (or to ensure that your computers are really networked), be sure to enable Print and File Sharing on all computers. This is done differently on the Macintosh, Linux and the Windows platform.
Warnings
1. Turning on your equipment in the wrong order could cause your new setup to not work! Be sure to power on each item in order. It really does matter.
2. Remember to set up your WEP (preferably WPA) security settings to prevent unauthorized access to your network
3. Also remember to change the default passwords and usernames on your wireless router. Many wardrivers will travel around finding hotspots and then trying the default codes for that type of access point. This could result in you getting locked out of your own router and having to manualy reset your network..