Newbie High Speed Internet Question!

I am a total ditz with computer related things. I bought a new computer and will give my old one to my sis, who lives with me. I am on AOL dial up now, but we want to get roadrunner from our Time Warner Cable Company.

On their site it says homenetworking may be available to hook up two computers. When I called she said wireless. Since I buy alot online, I was afraid it would not be safe with wireless. Do you think TWC provides enough security with their service. I would be afraid to use my debit card with this.

Also is wireless the same as homenetworking.

These questions show you how much of a novice I am. Thank you.

 

I have TWC Roadrunner service at my house. Our local know it all Techs don't know a whole lot. (Also goes for my HDTV)

I had so much trouble with there equipment I purchased my own and theres gave it back to them.

I have a cable modem and wireless network set up and had little trouble with it. (my own equipment)

Wireless is not the ony option, TWC says that it is. You can purchase a inexpesive hub and install wires to that hub from each computer and a wire from
cable modem to the hub. Everyones got internet. Windows XP will find it by itself. Windows 98, 2000, me, or NT might need a little tweaking.

My understanding of TWC is they will only install Wireless and do little about secureing your signal from others. (Wireless signal goes about 300 feet)

My thoughts,
Matt

 

TWC provide excellent Internet service through their Roadrunner Service, but they are Not in the Home Networking business. They do not want to be "rude" so they offer some kind of Home Networking Advice and Hardware.

However, the advice and the hardware is a waste of your time and your money.

You get from TWC a Cable Internet Service, and a Modem.

That it the rest you do yourself it is cheaper and better.

The content of the following links will provide you with a basic tutorial about Sharing Internet and using Wireless; it is short and to the point:

The three first pages were written by me ages ago. You might ignore the prices, and the specific choice of hardware, stick with the principles they are still the same.

Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=105

Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...? - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=48

Wireless Principles - http://www.anandtech.com/guides/viewfaq.html?i=122

The whole thing Should look like this and should Not cost more then $60 - $100.

Wireless hardware: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Hardware.html
Wireless - Basic Configuration: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Config.html
Wireless - Basic Security: http://www.ezlan.net/Wireless_Security.html

 

Thats exactly what I'm saying. I do not and have never had any problems with there roadrunner service. I only purchased my cable modem because our local office gave me two differnt boxes nether worked and it takes weeks between appointments and I wanted my internet. Just quicker and less time consuming to buy my own and call in the mac number. Done!
I would recomend TWC internet service. I just wouldn't let them install any Internet software. (unless you like AOL or Earthlink) IE or Firefox is fine.

Matt

p.s. Great Links!!

 

Thank you Matt and Cat5, I appreciate all the help.