HP Presario X1200 Wireless Setup Guide - Page 5

Secure your network You don't go to sleep at night with your doors unlocked, so don't venture into cyberspace without security. Depending on your wireless router security level, consider using one or more of the following security measures: ■ Enable encryption on your router. If you have not already enabled security encryption, follow the router manufacturer's instructions to set the highest level of security provided by the router. WEP and WPA are security encryption protocols. ■ Change the default SSID (your network name) on the wireless router and on all computers in the network. The SSID should be a unique name that will not be easily associated with you. Important: The same SSID must be specified on the router and on the computer(s), or the devices cannot communicate. 1 To change the SSID on your router, refer to the router instructions. 2 To change the SSID on each computer in your network: a Select Start > Control Panel > Network and Internet Connection > Network Connections. b Right-click Wireless Network Connection and select Properties. (The Properties window is displayed.) c Select the Wireless Networks tab. d Change the SSID. DID YOU KNOW... Chance of someone piggybacking on your wireless account: 1 in 10,000 DID YOU KNOW... Chance of being hacked through the Internet: 1 in 10,000 DID YOU KNOW... Chance of getting a virus, a Trojan horse, or spam over the Web or through email: 1 in 20 ■ Enable MAC address filtering on the router. Refer to the router instructions. ■ Use a firewall. A firewall is an essential security solution that shields your data and computer from destructive hackers, data thieves, malicious email attachments, and other emerging Internet threats. ■ Set security on your Web browser. Setting the highest level of security on your browser is the safest way to browse, but it will limit your ability to access and receive some types of information. Note: There are additional means of securing your wireless network. Refer to your router instructions for more information. DID YOU KNOW... • Windows XP and some router manufacturers offer a built-in firewall. • Firewall software also can be purchased separately from a local retailer. What Is? access point (AP)-A single-purpose wireless communication device that provides a wireless link between a wireless-enabled device and a wired network. broadband-An always-on, fast Internet connection. Services such as ISDN, cable modem, DSL, and satellite are considered broadband, as compared to dial-up Internet access. cable modem-A device that connects a computer to the cable television network, which in turn connects to the Internet. DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)-A specification for service provided by a wireless router, gateway, or other network device that automatically assigns TCP/IP network settings (IP address, DNS, default wireless gateway) to any device that requests one. DNS (Domain Name Server)-The IP address of your ISP's server, which translates the names of Web sites into IP addresses. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modem-A device that connects a computer to a phone line, which in turn connects to the Internet. encryption-The process of scrambling data so unauthorized recipients cannot read it. A unique key is usually required to decrypt the data. WEP and WPA are security encryption protocols. Ethernet-The most common LAN technology (using coaxial or twisted-pair cabling) for home and business networks, which is capable of handling large amounts of data at speeds up to 1000 Mbps. 5