I have no clue as to even to where to begin to do that. A friend came over with her laptop and said our connection was the only one not protected. Help please!!!! Thanks

It is a dell computer and we verizon as our carrier windows xp if that helps. Not sure what else to put in here info wise.

Are you talking about a wireless connection?

Yes I am, sorry!

I would suggest you read this to start and if you have any further questions you could make another post and ask Peedro as he is the network expert...

http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wireles...minpassword.htm

Thank you very much. I will do that!

You're welcome, good luck.

Figgy, what happened? you shrank! lol!
Nicki

He also grew horns

Whatever happend evidently affected my eyes too.

I didn't see WIFI mentioned in the heading...

lol! Ok, I had someone come over and he said it is private. Said my friend looked at wrong IP address. How can I find out what my IP address is please so I can make sure it is private. I only trust what is said in here!

Go to start, then run & type cmd A black box will pop up. Type ipconfig /all (note the space between g and the / ) This will show the IP address for your computer & the wireless router

However, your friend will see any wireless connections available in your immediate area, including neighbours. You can rename your wireless network to something other than the default (usually the router make). What is the make & model of your router, so we can point you in the right direction to do this

Thank you so much I got IP address.

The router is Westell Versalink Model #327W

Scroll down to page 56 in this document: http://westell.com/content/products/pdf/030_300444A.pdf

It explains how to assign a WEP or WPA encryption key.

You should also look through the same document for instructions on how to change the default password on the device.

Wow, once again a great big thank you to figgy, mumsboys & judyc !!!!! Got it all straight now!!!!!
Thanks again!

Cool, you're welcome..

lotsa folks don't have their wireless secured, I've got a chiros office that he only has wired internet, has 5 signals from neighboring businesses to choose from if he wants to get on with his laptop, if you can't tell from the list of wireless signals which is yours then you need to rename it. I'm gonna assume the link Judy provided will guide you as its the pure devil to try to guide a person remotely like this.

Yw Donna

Very true Peedro. I dont think people realise when they set up a wireless network that anyone can join it unless it is WEP or WPA protected

Lots of people getting sued for illegal downloads that occur on unprotected wireless networks and some people getting visits from the authorities for engaging in the trading of child pornography both taking place without the computer owner's knowledge.

It's important to change the default password, too. There is malware out there that will exploit routers with default passwords.

Good point Judy

How do you go in and change the default password on a router?

It's explained in the link Figgy posted above Angela
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/routers...rpassword_2.htm