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Does wireless mean networking?

17 years ago

I'm confused about the terms. If computers are sharing a router, is that Networking?

Or does Networking mean sharing files?

My computers share a internet connection from a router, but do not share files or printer, etc. Are they Networked??

Jane

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Comments (10)

mikie_gw
17 years ago
Why do ask ?

Every computer hooked to the private side of the router would be considered on the routers local area network - the LAN. The computers dont neccessarly have to share files.
jerry_nj
17 years ago
I consider Networking to have a minimum of two resources that cooperate over a wireless or wired connection. In the degenerate case I think one could consider a printer connected to a USB port to be networking, but I thing most would not call it that, however, if the printer had a wireless interface/support and the computer printed via that wireless interface, I suppose no one would argue it is a network.

I consider your case/example to be a simple, yet real, Network, you are Networking.

In my house I have three computers interconnected via an Ethernet network (Wired), they can share, and do: files and printers. Each accesses the Internet through its own interface, that's because I'm using dial-up and the telephone wiring between rooms provides all the networking I need for my Internet connections.
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you do not have to leave the new desktop hooked up by the wire you just have to do that to get the router set up done you need to do the install on it with the wired connection once that is done and set up just unplug it from the router and use the wireless connection by which ever means you put on it whether it be usb adapter or card, then you leave your old desktop plugged into the back of the router as you apparently had it. The object is to use a wired desktop pc to be able to do the install of the router software, it has to be wired to the router, once complete it does not have to be wired to the router. Be very very sure you set up your wireless network securely and use WPA2 security, set up a user name and password for the router itself and change the SSID to something random because that is what will be seen by anyone out there in range to see your wireless signal. Search on the forum for info on this we just recently had a LOT of discussion on how to do this with links to tutorials. If it is not set up securely anyone in your area can get into your network or anyone driving by. If your new printer is wireless wifi enabled it should just be able to find your wireless network and join it, you will need to have the passkey that you set up in your router for your WPA2 security to log into any laptop or printer or anything that wants to join your network, it will ask you for that passkey once that should be all. I highly URGE you to get a note book have it beside you when you set this up and write down every single thing, user names, passwords, keypass, every thing you do not want to lose that info! I write mine on an index card and tape it to the bottom of the router and keep a copy in my desk in my computer notebook. You have the exact kind of printer you need for what you want, you are over thinking this and getting yourself flustered. Take it one step at a time. Do you have a router yet? If not I can promise you this one which is the one I just got is excellent and is extremely simple to set up using the cd. It is a G which is what I prefered because the N routers had bad reviews and this G had exceptional reviews, I have tons of speed and it reaches to the end of my out door property. Linksys WRT54GS2 Wireless-G Broadband Router if you look at the router page there they do have the N also. they also have the linksys usb adapter Here is a link that might be useful: routers
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Just to add,your wired computer must be turned on in order for the wireless to print, at least mine does I found out.
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Lynn, I now see more clearly what you're trying to do. It's much like setting up a network at home. When you're sharing internet with 2 or 3 computers, you'd be setting up a router (such as a Linksys) with wireless capability. First you'd need to setup the router with an encryption. The manual for Linksys has good instruction on how to set it up. This will only allows computers that share the same encryption number to be within the network and will keep the others away. The nearby computers will see the Linksys ID but will not be able to get into the network without the encryption number. Since you're the owner, you have the choice of who to give that encryption number to once you had it set up. This number can be changed at anytime you feel a threaten nearby. I normally use the Linksys auto encryption number because it uses a lengthy combination of letters (case sensitive) and numbers which makes it difficult to hack into. What Jane explained only works if you're not setting up a network. When you set up a network, regardless of whether you're using wireless or a cable, all 3 computers can still be seen if allowed to. Each individual computer within the same network can be set up so not to allow other computers to see it. The only thing they could see is a list of computer's name within the network. Windows have a network security feature in the Control Panel that allows you to set up what you want to share and what not. For example, all 3 of you may want to share the same printer and nothing else. As far as hacking, by setting up an uncrypted router (hardware firewall), you should be pretty safe. Plus, each individual computer should also have a firewall software installed. This is the 2nd protection. A professional hackar (or whatever you call him/her) would probably not interest in your type of business to go through the trouble of hacking into your network. Think of it as your home have an alarm system but your neighbor doesn't. Guess, which home the burglar would rather break into? As for within the network, if all 3 of you trust each others enough to share the cost of internet service, I don't see a reason for worrying with one of you hacking the other one's computer. Do you? If you do however, then, it's best not to share the internet service. You may want to set up a rule to let each others know right away when one of the computer is stolen. If that ever happens, change the encryption code right away to prevent the stolen computer entering into your network. Keep in mind that the your friend's computer won't be able neither until you provide them with the new code. Someone already mentioned, it's best to always set up a password and 'lock up' (not log off) the system whenever you're walking away from it for a few minutes. I know you probably already know some of these things. I just add the info in for other readers that may need it.
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marthapartha
17 years ago
There are Lan Parties (gaming) I don't know what that would fall under...if it fell.

marf
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Thank you. I have a problem, I don't know how to fix. My computer (which I use for work), was originally set to access a server through Microsoft Network (or framwork). I have no idea what was done, but I was able to retrieve medical info on patients for work through the hospital server.
It does not work and seems to be interfering with my on-line connections. I don't know how to stop this. I don't need it anymore.
I'm not even sure where to go to disconnect this connection. If anyone could give me directions to eliminate this from my computer, I would be forever grateful.

Jane
marthapartha
17 years ago
Me thinks it would be under Internet Options, accessed either from your IE Menu Bar or Control Panel, under the heading of Connections...but I could be all wet. That's the most I can come up with.

Yes...I do feel strange today.

marf
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Martha. It's not a internet connection, but a server connection. (I'm not sure if I'm explaining it right). There's a icon on the desktop which says Meditech, and if I click on it it connects to the hospital records dept. It's supposed to pull up patient files.
It's has something to do with MS Framework,or MS Client, or something. I don't know what it is, but it seems to keep trying to connect by itself.
I want to stop it, or get rid of it.
Computers are just too complicated!

Jane
jerry_nj
17 years ago
Have you looked for an "uninstall" for Meditech? Look at programs and see if it is there, if so it may include an uninstall. Or, use "add remove programs" in the Control Panel. Then too, look at "My Network Places", and see if it can be disabled there, this is a last ditch if you can't get ride of it via an uninstall.
marthapartha
17 years ago
Try Tools-> Internet options-> connections->Lan Settings->Advanced ->Proxy Settings

See if they are listed as a server connection????

worth a try.

marf
tuezday1
17 years ago
Jane,

I take it you do medical transcription? I edit, so I'm familiar with the programs. You will probably need to call the IT department of Meditech and have them remotely remove the program, or walk you through it. Due to patient privacy issues, it's possible you have no administrative rights over that program (I've found them to be very well insulated from the outside world, including virii that take over everything else) and nothing short of a clean OS install will solve your problem without IT help.

Laura
jane__ny
Original Author
17 years ago
Laura, you are right. I tried to answer last night, but again couldn't get on line. It comes and goes.
I will contact the hospital to see if I can get this removed from this machine. I thought I could do it myself.
You are right. The security is beyond belief and for some reason it seems to try to connect all day long without my using it.
I work for a doctor and it allows me access to patient records - if I can get through security. It's too complicated and isn't working right. Not being in the hospital makes it difficult to get any IT help. No one calls back.
Thanks, again
Jane

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