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MovedGoalPosts · 19-11-2008, 20:18

Router's are generally independent of the operating system on your computer, be that Windows, Linux or even mac. In most cases you do not need to load any software onto your computer, for the router to function correctly. Control of the router settings is simply by use of your browser such as internet explorer or firefox, in the case of the linksys you would simply type "192.168.1.1" into your browser's address bar to log into the router controls.

Set up of any router should be simple. Power off computers and modem. Connect ethernet between modem and router and then ethernet between router and a computer. Now power up modem, let settle, then router and finally PC. Now you can configure the router's wireless stuff by logging in as above.

The need for software to be installed on your computer is generally limited to the network card that you are using on the computer. If the cards wired and / or wireless was supplied with your computer, then the drivers are probably already loaded. If you are adding a card, then you will need to follow the installation software routine for the card. wired cards generally will just connect. Wireless connections need to be configured, using the installed software on the connecting computer (or games console), to suit the router's settings.

A central location in a house for a router is often best and clearly a wired connection can be more stable than wireless. Wireless interference can occur from neighbouring connections (you can try a different channel), and household electrical appliances so some experimentation with location can be a good thing.

It's always worth checking that you have the current version of the firmware loaded on any router. I'd have a look at your current ones and see if that improves stability before buying yet another. You say you are not looking to mess with the firmware, but current patching is always good.

19-11-2008, 20:18	#4
MovedGoalPosts Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: 127.0.0.1 Age: 61 Posts: 15,868	Re: Wirless Woes Router's are generally independent of the operating system on your computer, be that Windows, Linux or even mac. In most cases you do not need to load any software onto your computer, for the router to function correctly. Control of the router settings is simply by use of your browser such as internet explorer or firefox, in the case of the linksys you would simply type "192.168.1.1" into your browser's address bar to log into the router controls. Set up of any router should be simple. Power off computers and modem. Connect ethernet between modem and router and then ethernet between router and a computer. Now power up modem, let settle, then router and finally PC. Now you can configure the router's wireless stuff by logging in as above. The need for software to be installed on your computer is generally limited to the network card that you are using on the computer. If the cards wired and / or wireless was supplied with your computer, then the drivers are probably already loaded. If you are adding a card, then you will need to follow the installation software routine for the card. wired cards generally will just connect. Wireless connections need to be configured, using the installed software on the connecting computer (or games console), to suit the router's settings. A central location in a house for a router is often best and clearly a wired connection can be more stable than wireless. Wireless interference can occur from neighbouring connections (you can try a different channel), and household electrical appliances so some experimentation with location can be a good thing. It's always worth checking that you have the current version of the firmware loaded on any router. I'd have a look at your current ones and see if that improves stability before buying yet another. You say you are not looking to mess with the firmware, but current patching is always good.