[Tezcatlipoca]

Also, make sure that you set up the security, to help prevent anyone from accessing your network or stealing your bandwidth, etc.


Two important first steps:

1) Change the default password for the router!

2) Change the SSID (it's basically the wireless network name) from the default ("Netgear") to something of your choosing.


Security set-up -

Somewhere in the Wireless Settings part of the router's admin pages there'll be a section for Security.

You should choose WPA-PSK (WiFi Protected Access - Pre-Shared Key) if your laptop supports it (should do, if you're getting one new). If not, then use WEP.

Pick a password/key & enter it in the WPA password/key box on the router. When you try & connect the laptop for the first time, enter the key you've chosen.


Also, it's worth setting up "MAC Filtering" (called "Wireless Station Access List" on the Netgear). This allows you to restrict wireless connections to the router, so that only devices you specifically allow can connect (based on the "MAC address" of their wireless card).