I have a Dell Inspiron 600m and I have a modem at my apartment that Is provided by the University, Do I need a router? I'm thinking of just connecting the ethernet cable to the laptop. My laptop is wireless and it depends on a signal. Im thinking I need a router. I know there are different kinds with different prices. Which kind should I get. I just need internet at my place nothing fancy.
connect the ethernet cable from the modem into your laptop. it should work to get you internet access.
University networks are hot beds for viruses. I went through it last year. You should get a router and plug up through that. Routers have built-in firewalls that are more effective than most software based firewalls and also don't use your system resources.
A router is a good idea. It's a lot safer than a direct connection to the internet. I've used Linksys, Netgear, and D-Link routers with good success. If you want to use your laptop wirelessly get a wireless router. If you don't care, just stick with regular wired ethernet routers, it's generally more secure, and are cheaper.
Many routers with built in firewalls do not have them automatically enabled out of the box. Make sure to read the directions and log into your router when you set it up to make sure the firewall is enabled. You might want to consider getting a router with a wireless signal in case you decide on a wireless connection or two.
I would check Cnet.com. I have had Linksys and Netgear routers and prefer Netgear. They work well and they're affordable. This is the one I picked up last year. It's a WPN824.
Do you need a router? No. Do you want a router. Yes. The NAT on the router will hopefully deter 70-90% of the hack attempts on your laptop.
Go with NetGear or D-Link. Linksys routers are fine, but some of them have a recurring issue where they will randomly drop the signal and you have to restart the router to get it working again. The older D-Link routers had some issues but I have had one for a year now without any issues.
Fry's had one of those Netgear rangemax routers on sale for like 60 or 70 bucks (they usually go for about 130), but I don't know of that sale is still on or not.
After reading this thread, I think I need a router for my PC too. Basically I want one which is reliable and easy to use. Nothing fancy. And I found this one on the net: Netgear Prosafe FVS114 VPN Firewall Router Does anyone know about this router? Comment/opinion? I do not need a wireless router because I don't use wireless internet connection. Thank you.
Ok so I went to the store to go look at some prices. My laptop gets a wireless signal but I checked and there is no network card inside. I guess I was using my neighbor's signal all this time and since he moved I can't pick up anything. Apparently there are 2 types of broadband wireless routers. I was looking at Linksys and they have a Wireless G Broadband connection with speedbooster, and another Wireless G with USB Network Adapters. Which of these 2 should I get. If at all possible I would like to move my laptop from place to place in my apt without the ethernet cable. Since I think it has built in wireless I dont need a network card. so what's the difference b/w the USB network router and the broadband router with ethernet. and which should I get. The USB router is cheaper.
