I have just connected a wireless router belkin 125 G. My son has just got a laptop so I wanted to go wireless. There is a signal on his laptop but it is saying the signal is unsecured how do we make this secured.

Double click on Wireless Network Connection taskbar, then click property, on Wireless network's tab, check on the box ' Use Windows to configure......"

It might not work Because your laptop should XP service pack 2 Or above
You can try upgrading your operating system before throwing your router out of the door

I have experienced the same issue with belkin routers. First, test your laptop with other wireless connections {e.g. Starbucks, McDonalds, etc..} to see if your laptop's wireless adapter is working okay. If so then it sounds like your Belkin Router needs to be reset to the factory defaults and then your personal wireless network settings re-entered.

If that doesn't work it may have to be replaced.

Please provide feedback...

If your computer has 3 bars of signal, it's ok, don't mess with it.
If you want better reception, you can connect the Belkin wireless router near your notebook with a cable to the Linksys router.

If no signal, check router config. Use your
internet browser to look at router's settings.
By default the password on most Belkin routers is left blank, and the default IP address is 192.168.2.1 Check all you router's wireless settings in case disabled or incorrect. Make sure the laptop's wifi button has been toggled to OFF. Routers do die - esp the lowend ones. New wireless G router = $20 on sale.

An unsecure network just means that other people can "piggyback" on your wireless connection. It's not dangerous. In fact, I'm sitting in a place with my laptop right now, piggybacking on a signal.

The only possible downside is that if too many people ride on your signal for free, your connection could slow down. If you want help securing your router, I'll be glad to walk you through it.

Have you tried connecting the laptop in a different wireless network? Try changing the channel in your router and you may also upgrade the firmware of your router.

Check the wireless settings of your router, ssid, channel and wireless security. Set thoe information on your laptop so that it will work wirelessly with the router.

Most home router has an IP address of 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.2.1. If you dad's laptop can connect to the router just fine, then it's a problem with your linux laptop. Can you see other wireless networks on your laptop?

Set your wireless network as a preferred network and to automatically connect to it. Also set it at the top of the list so that it takes precedence. If you continue to get conflicts, change the channel of the router.

Mike