Other Gadgets (general gadgets)

[mmm3587]

For some people, these issues are intuitive, but you might get an introductory book on home and basic networking to serve as a reference for all these issues. I think somebody mentioned the Dummies series. I like their level of coverage, and they usually have good references to web resources.

It sounds like you have cat5 to the relevant rooms. You should just use that for everything except laptops, unless the drop is in a bad location. For laptops and shitty wiring only, use wireless. It's still more of a pain in the ass to setup than easy wired access and you run into other issues. For example, you need to figure out what other cordless devices are on what frequencies. With certain cordless phones and wireless networking, you WILL get phone static and slower wireless access.

Put the router in your hub location. With phone access or cable access, put your modem in that location too. You can usually do most of the management functions of both remotely.

If you haven't already, make yourself think about spyware, virus and sharing issues. Your kids will want to be able to share music and video and all that stuff as they get older. Also, I am sure it goes without saying, but spend a little time understanding how you can monitor your kids' internet usage and make sure it is appropriate. A cousin of mine found out that her 8 year old was chatting over the internet. Smart kid, but it made her realize that she had to figure out what her kid was looking at and make sure that there was some contol over the level of depravity her kid could find over the internet.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Greedy,Greedy,Greedy


But if I do this wireless networky thing, do I just coninue to send the broadband through the one terminal now or do I hook up the broadband to all the terminals? I know the folks doing the wiring in the house put hook-ups in almost every room.

Wireless won't slow down the web, because the capacity constraint is the speed of the cable modem/DSL.

If you're transfering filed within the house (photos/video), wired will be faster. But wires mean wires, and I wouldn't do it unless you can put them into the walls. Wired is also somewhat more reliable--no radio interference to worry about, and obviously more secure (the only password is the key to your house, and an ability to hide near a network jack).

As for set up, either way you'll connect the cable modem to a router (wireless or wired). Then from teh router, you'll send the connection to each computer you want to have access. The router will allow you to "share" the bandwidth. Don't fool with "internet sharing" or some such garbage on your PC, because that means haveing that computer on allthe time. Far better to buy a $50 router (well, $30 or $100 depending on wired or wireless). If all thecomputers are in the same room, and aren't laptops, I'd go wired. Otherwise, wireless is a lot less effort, assumign it works.

Thanks for all of the Ipod information. I am going w/the Mini.

Neigh

[Replaced_Texan]

Originally posted by baltassoc
If your desktops don't have wireless cards (and they need to be in a different room than the router), consider USB wireless devices, which should be painless to install (no cracking open the case).

The USB wireless device is also useful for connecting your TiVo to the network.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
The USB wireless device is also useful for connecting your TiVo to the network.

What does this enable you to do?

[Replaced_Texan]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
What does this enable you to do?

I don't do anything. Tivo downloads television schedules, show synopses, software updates and scans for changes in the channel lineup. Before I got the wireless network, my Tivo was connected through a phone line, which was a pain in the ass because of the wire. The Tivo modem used to conflict with the DSL modem. Half the time the automatic download didn't work and I had to do it myself. Now it's all done through the wireless network every day, and I don't even notice it.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I don't do anything. Tivo downloads television schedules, show synopses, software updates and scans for changes in the channel lineup. Before I got the wireless network, my Tivo was connected through a phone line, which was a pain in the ass because of the wire. The Tivo modem used to conflict with the DSL modem. Half the time the automatic download didn't work and I had to do it myself. Now it's all done through the wireless network every day, and I don't even notice it.

Thanks, all!

Now, after buying a shitload of computer equipment and getting the network up and running, I'm going to add a TIVO to the list
for my favorite overweight gift giving holiday troll.

And, points to the folks who recommended reading material to me over and above quasi-human telephonic contact.

Happy GwffGwff.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I don't do anything. Tivo downloads television schedules, show synopses, software updates and scans for changes in the channel lineup. Before I got the wireless network, my Tivo was connected through a phone line, which was a pain in the ass because of the wire. The Tivo modem used to conflict with the DSL modem. Half the time the automatic download didn't work and I had to do it myself. Now it's all done through the wireless network every day, and I don't even notice it.

I should have said "enable to happen" or something. Gotcha. Thanks.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
I should have said "enable to happen" or something. Gotcha. Thanks.

"Should have written," not "said." This is a written medium. Moron.

[Greedy,Greedy,Greedy]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
"should have wriitten," not "said." This is a written medium. Moron.

Capitalize at the beginning of a sentence. Idiot.

[ltl/fb]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
"Should have written," not "said." This is a written medium. Moron.

I have to speak out loud when I read and write, so I get confused easily. My apologies.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Replaced_Texan
I don't do anything. Tivo downloads television schedules, show synopses, software updates and scans for changes in the channel lineup. Before I got the wireless network, my Tivo was connected through a phone line, which was a pain in the ass because of the wire. The Tivo modem used to conflict with the DSL modem. Half the time the automatic download didn't work and I had to do it myself. Now it's all done through the wireless network every day, and I don't even notice it.

It checks more frequently for programming updates. Now, also, Tivo Media is available (that's not hte right name, but it's something like that) for free. That allows you to
a) program your tivo online (working late?)
b) share music files on your computer through Tivo
c) share photo files on your computer through tivo.

So, you can use Tivo as a media center if connected to your stereo and (duh) your tv.

Finally, if you get a second tivo, for $6.95/mo. you can transfer shows between the two units. My understanding is that on a wireless network you can't do transfers in real time, but on a solid wired network you can do realtime, or a bit faster, meaning no advanced thought is necessary, and you can still skip commercials.

[pony_trekker]

OK, I am sitting in the Apple store for the next hour waiting at the Genius Bar becauuse my damn ipod stopped working. First it started freezing while playing songs, Then, after I did a restore, it started freezing when I tried to load the songs. I did system restores, ipod restores, changed cables, drivers, uninstalled and reinstalled drivers, software, etc.

PS, my wife calls:

"The computer isn't working"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing happens"
"What does that mean," I asked
"Well, nothing happens," she said.
"Does the power go on?"
"Yes," she said.
"WHEN DOES NOTHING HAPPEN" I asked.
"When I click on internet explorer nothing happens"

"You have to turn it off and wait 'til a man gets home."

[NotFromHere]

Originally posted by pony_trekker
OK, I am sitting in the Apple store for the next hour waiting at the Genius Bar becauuse my damn ipod stopped working. First it started freezing while playing songs, Then, after I did a restore, it started freezing when I tried to load the songs. I did system restores, ipod restores, changed cables, drivers, uninstalled and reinstalled drivers, software, etc.

PS, my wife calls:

"The computer isn't working"
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing happens"
"What does that mean," I asked
"Well, nothing happens," she said.
"Does the power go on?"
"Yes," she said.
"WHEN DOES NOTHING HAPPEN" I asked.
"When I click on internet explorer nothing happens"

"You have to turn it off and wait 'til a man gets home."

Before you go home, tell her to call Comcast first.

[Atticus Grinch]

Originally posted by NotFromHere
Before you go home, tell her to call Comcast first.

Karl Hungus photo in 5 . . . 4 . . . 3 . . . .