Linksys wireless G broadband router

[Yorky Lass]

My son has set up his laptop with this router using my broadband connection. Would someone explain in very simple language how I can make it secure.
I know it's not secure because my next door neighbour is picking up an unsecure Linksys system.

I've managed to work out how to get onto the Linksys setup system but it's asking for Host name, domain name and other stuff I have no idea what it is talking about.

Thanks in advance

[Ethel]

Ignore all that stuff and click the Wireless tab

Now click 'wireless security'

And choose WPA personal in the drop down box
TKIP in the next box

And use a really good password - a mixture of letters, numbers and punctuation marks. WRITE IT DOWN.

Click 'save settings' and there you are - nicely secure.

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING CONNECT THE LAPTOP TO THE ROUTER, OTHERWISE THE LAPTOP WILL BE LOCKED OUT.

You can unplug the laptop when the security is set up.

You can also disable the SSID and choose MAC filtering. Always connect by ethernet when changing settings.

[stefos]

In the setup system go to 'Wireless', then 'wireless security' security mode 'WEP'.wep encription 'wep64' Key1 ' your password which must be *10 numbers*' and then save.

[Yorky Lass]

Ethel thank you for your quick reply. I am so thick - I can follow as far as you telling me to save settings. It's when you tell me the first time to have the laptop connected to the router is this by ethernet too?
Also I have no idea what on earth SSID and MAC filtering is - told you I was thick !!
My grandaughter also wants to connect when she comes, will ( and how) can I add her.

[ACtheTROLL]

lookee here .... take it steady and it's pretty straight forward
don't look too deep (unless you get bitten by the techie bug (saddus geekio)


http://compnetworking.about.com/od/wirelesssec urity/tp/wifisecurity.htm

[Ethel]

Yes, connect the laptop to the router by ethernet cable.

SSID is just the name of your network - the default is probably Linksys. You can change that.

It is under 'basic wireless settings' on your set up page.

MAC filtering allows only the pcs and laptops you have listed under the MAC filtering. You do it by clicking the 'wireless mac filter' tab.

It's relatively straight forward and will find your laptop's MAC address automatically. If you intend other laptops to access the internet occasionally this probably isn't suitable for you.

Remember - connect the laptop to the router by ethernet for any alterations to the set up. You can disconnect once you have clicked 'save settings' and closed the set up page.

If at any time you are locked out and can't remedy it - return to the default settings and start again. You do this by holding in the tiny button at the back of the router for 10 seconds.

It will pay you to take your time and investigate all those set up pages. Many you won't ever need - but it useful to understand the layout.

[Yorky Lass]

Thank you thank you thank you. It's finally sunk in. I'll have a go tomorrow setting it up.
Secure at last !