Router question...

Ok I'm very new to this so I really need your guys help if possible. We (as in my family and I) had Aol dial up 56k. We are thinking about getting cable internet so it would be faster. Infact, we scheduled an appointment for them on THursday and they will hook up cable internet. But, we have a total of 3 desktop PC's and a Pocket PC that will all need to have cable internet access. We have to get a router, correct? This is where I get confused. I would probably need a wireless router because the computers are on the opposite sides of the house so we can't be running wires through-out the house so thats why I figured we would need wireless. I was hearing about firewalled routers because they stop people from getting access to the internet on our computers, is this true? and Also, if anybody could be so kind as to number the steps for me to hook up the routers it would be EXTREMELY GREATLY appreciated! I know this is asking a lot but i have no other help and one time we tried calling for router help and we got contacted to somebody in India where I couldn't understand a word that they were saying. So if anybody could help it would mean so much! thanks!!!!

 

by the way I just thought of another question to add to this post....in order to use routers would I need to establish a network? Because on my Dell Dimension 2200, it doesn't have a plug or anything where I could do Networking.

 

usualy the guys who hook up the cable internet can answer all of your questions. they also moonlight and do network installs on the side.

 

You do not need a network for each computer to access the Internet through a router. A network just lets the computer share files you select between each other. With your Dell, since you are planning a wireless connection, wont be a problem, since you will be using a wireless card. It will go into a PCI slot. The router will come with detailed, step-by-step instructions for you.

 

If you up and ready to do a little learning this might help in answering most of your questions.

Link to: Basic Options for Internet Connection Sharing.

Link to: Hubs, routers, switches, DSL, LANs, WANs...?

Link to: What do I need for wireless Networking?

The pages above were written a while ago. Ignore the prices and the Hardware recommendations, stick to the principles.

Link to: Diagram of Broadband Connection with Cable/DSL Router.

Log to this page it has a lot of links to instructions to Windows Network Settings, and Sharing.

Link to: Windows Network - Installing & Sharing.

Link to: Basic Protection for Broadband Internet Installation.

Link to: Wireless What Should I Get?

Link to: Wireless - Basic Configuration.

Link to: Wireless Security.

Link to: Extending the Distance of Entry Level Wireless Network.