Setting up wireless

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 19:39:06

I am looking at going wireless. But I don't know how to set it up. I was thinking of getting my router from idnet, so it will already be configured to my account won't it?
But how do I set it up to my mac mini? Is it just a case of plugin and play? Thanks for any help

Sebby · Jul 14, 2008, 20:08:15

If you get the router from IDNet, it won't be setup for you (though I suspect they would do it if you asked nicely!).

It's very, very simple, honest. I would suggest you go with something like a Netgear DG834Gv4 as they're quite easy to setup, and lots of people here will be able to guide you through it if you get into trouble.

With a router, there is no software. You plug it, your PC will detect the wireless network, connect to it, and then access it through your web browser (the default IP address for Netgears is 192.168.0.1). You'll then be able to enter your IDNet username and password (this is a one off setting) and then adjust anything else (such as wireless security).

I hope this helps.

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 20:10:06

oh so it's just like setting up a wired router?

Sebby · Jul 14, 2008, 20:11:49

The only difference will be the wireless settings. Wireless routers usually come with no security set as it makes it easy to connect to it initially. That's really the only thing I'd say you'll want to fiddle with, but otherwise it's very much the same.

net91 · Jul 14, 2008, 20:12:33

Yes it is like setting up a wired router, except you have to set a name (SSID) for your wireless network and a password. This is all done in a easy web interface and is very similar to when you set up a wired router.

I have used a couple of netgear routers and I can say they have all worked great.

(You could connect wirelessly without changing any setting, but this is not a good security move.)

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 20:14:31

and they will all work with a mac? Thanks guys. I knew you'd all help me

Sebby · Jul 14, 2008, 20:15:16

Yep. Routers are OS-independent.

net91 · Jul 14, 2008, 20:16:25

Quote from: Sebby on Jul 14, 2008, 20:15:16
Yep. Routers are OS-independent.

I am actually using a wireless netgear router with my mac right now.

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 20:16:34

cool - wireless here I come.

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 20:17:54

QuoteI am actually using a wireless netgear router with my mac right now.

ohh what do you have? i soo want a mac laptop, but too expensive. I went to a apple shop yesterday and played.. and dreamed lol

net91 · Jul 14, 2008, 20:23:01

I am using an iMac 20"

I brought it from the Apple Store in Meadowhall shopping centre. I know the shops do have a knack of making you want everything in them.

Tina · Jul 14, 2008, 20:24:13

I am so jealous.. but I am fond of my little mac mini - she does everything I need, and for the price she is good

net91 · Jul 14, 2008, 20:28:24

I loved my little mac mini as well when I had one (I sold it to help buy my iMac). They are great little computers.