Wireless Router??

[troot28]

Please excuse my ignorance. Here's my problem:-
I have purchased a laptop for my Son as a christmas present. The family PC is situated downstairs and has an internet connection. My son will want to access the internet and a friend has suggested a wireless router.
How do they work?
How much should I expect to pay?
Whilst I respect his right to privacy how do I monitor the types of sites he is visiting?

Thanks in advance

[Ethel]

A router is like a television transmitter - it broadcasts the broadband signal.

The laptop should be wifi enabled - it acts like a television aerial and recieves the signal, so it connects to the internet without connecting to the modem.

Expect to pay �30 upwards.

There is a set up page where you can block access to certain sites, and you can still restrict his access on the laptop if he does not has admin powers.

[vehelpfulguy]

Note that you need to buy the correct type of Router.

If you have cable (NTL/Telewest) that is a different type of router than if you use an ADSL line.

You plug your internet connection into of the back of the router and it passes the internet connection to any PC or laptop that wants to use it.

Note that your PC will need to plug into the router (via an Ethernet cable) so you need to make sure your PC has a Ethernet network connection. You will also need to buy an ethernet cable.

Also note that if your son can pick up the wireless signal so can your neighbours. Not only can they use your wireless bandwidth, they may be able to break into your network and see the data on your PCs.

Make sure you set up wireless security.

[vehelpfulguy]

There is some good help about Home Networking in Windows XP.

Open Windows "Help and Support" and search for Home Network or Home Networking.