[slider2]

I have set up a home wireless network using a Belkin N router modem. This is hard wired to the main PC. I can connect ok using my own laptop - internet, email, shared folders and printer. Also son's xbox 360 connects ok.

My work laptop connects to the internet ok using the wireless connection.

I currently have no security set up - we live in the country and are about 400m from the nearest house. and public road.

If I was to enable security, would I still be able to connect to the internet wirelessly using an occasional "guest" computer?

[zabusant]

Yes, but you would have to enter the password you had set up earlier

[dcook12]

The guest computer will pick up the signal, and they would have to enter the password. Their software should ask if they want to save the profile and if they come often it would be worth saving so they could connect anytime they come without entering the password..It will just connect if they change to the profile name they called it. The other way would just to disable the password in your settings when they are there and it will just connect because it is the closest router.

[calvin-c]

While testing security, I connected to a client's network from a half-mile away using a homemade antenna (plans found on the Internet). So I wouldn't rely on distance to keep you safe-set a password.

[slider2]

thanks for the replys Guys. The half mile look worrying but will definatly enable security now I know I can get guests connected ok.

[zabusant]

Also know you should use the WPA or WPA2 encryption. Unfortunatelly WEP is not much better then none so only use it if you have no other choice.