I've looked on ehow and other sites and just can't find what I'm looking for. I already have a wireless router with a public connection. Today I tried to get to a website that I've used before and it said it either wasn't a trusted site or someone was accessing my wireless. I told it to open the webpage anyway because I didn't think it was a big deal.

I just want to know how to make my wireless connection private so I can be more protected. Any information is appreciated. Thanks!

6/20/2011 2:48:52 PM

A really simple and easy step a lot of people overlook when securing their wireless routers is obvious when you stop and think about it: just hide it! Stick it in a closet, hide it under a box, just keep it out of sight. It's "security through obscurity." Who's going to think to steal a connection if they don't know you run a router in the first place? It's just common sense.

6/20/2011 2:52:07 PM

umm... not exactly what I'm talking about here.

6/20/2011 3:03:15 PM

^what? I'm paranoid, but if they're already in my house I'm probably cool with them getting on my wifi's

Booke here are some steps (on win7):

Google you model number for setup instructions (found on the bottom of most units)
Put "command" into the run dialog in your windows menu (you should see a black terminal screen)
Type "ipconfig" and hit enter
Write down the "gateway" address.
Type the gateway address into a web browser (omit the http://www - just the numbers like 192.168.1.100 or similar)

Switch over to the config steps from the setup instructions for logging in and changing it to WPA or WPA2 (if you have older devices like a PSP it may not recognize WPA2.) Don't use WEP unless you're just looking for the most basic security - it can be cracked within a few minutes by someone that knows what they're doing; but it's compatible with everything and keeps most neighbors off.

6/20/2011 3:03:17 PM

I'm logged into my router and see the setup, but I don't see anything about WPA or WPA2

6/20/2011 3:11:55 PM

Some routers aren't the easiest to navigate - but you should see something about "security" under "wireless" or some equivalent.

Post you model number and I'll dig around for a minute.

[Edited on June 20, 2011 at 3:20 PM. Reason : not trying to be a douche - that's what they're called on a linksys...]

6/20/2011 3:20:05 PM

I changed it to WPA but then couldn't get my computer to recognize it. I had to reset the router. I just want it to be password protected. Bleh.

6/20/2011 3:26:56 PM

#5273 +(30069)- [X] <erno> hm. I've lost a machine.. literally _lost_. it responds to ping, it works completely, I just can't figure out where in my apartment it is.

6/20/2011 3:32:51 PM

ok I set it up- it says wpa personal now. does that mean it's not accessible to the public now?

the website is still not loading: https://myonlineportraits.com/

[Edited on June 20, 2011 at 3:37 PM. Reason : add]

6/20/2011 3:33:36 PM

^if other sites are loading correctly it's working correctly.

6/20/2011 3:42:22 PM

thanks!

6/20/2011 3:49:17 PM