Security & Laptops

[pioneerVicki]

We have finally got a new laptop for myself. Our old one still works - but it is not usually connected to the web. I will be using the new one when I am away from home - probably just pay for some on-line time in advance. At home we only have one computer connected to the web (about 3 others that aren't..) which at times can causes problems when both of us want to be on the web. Currently we have broadband (fairly slow) which comes via the phone lines. My husband is thinking of putting a wireless modern on our desktop so we could use the lap top on our current internet plan, but he is very concerned about wireless security. If we go down that line it could mean that other people could potential access information stored in our main frame etc etc. Any suggestions on making security as secure as is reasonable to do so? Anyone had problems with using their laptops to work on their web sites etc?

[abound]

Use strong non-intuitive network and server passwords that unscrupulous neighbors wouldn't be able to guess. That way, when your wireless network shows up on their list of "available" networks, they cannot log on to it. You should also be able to configure our disk server to allow access only to users within a certain group that you create. You then have to go to the trouble of adding users and adding them to user groups, but it's another level of security available to you. Beyond some point, you'll want to pay a professional to do the setup for you, and to instruct you on adding computers and users on your own later... overkill for most homes frankly, but for some that's what it takes to give them peace of mind.

[MariaMenetti]

We have a wireless modem and numerous computers including a laptop. No problems. But, my husband is pretty savvy with setting it up. He got help initially from our 'computer guy' but since then he has added new computers, etc. and does it himself. He could do it from scratch now if he had to.