unsecure wireless network issues

[bradthegreat]

So far I have not been able to find a really good solution to this problem. I have Comcast high speed Internet coming into the house. I got a free Netgear-Travel Wireless router with some purchase and hooked it up, however, there is no encryption of any kind enabled. There are 2 wireless laptops in the house, and both can get on without a problem (the are both Dell Latitudes). I have set up a network and have fie and printer sharing between them.
my question is this...how do I set up some kind of secuity so that others cannot just access it freely? There was no instruciton manual of any kind (b/c it was free), and I am really unfamiliar with setting things like this up. Will I need to reset up my network? Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Peddant]

From here - http://www.jiwire.com/wi-fi-securit...-networks-1.htm

Top 10 Security Tips for Home Wi-Fi Networks

1.Change your router's access name and password.

2.Don't let users piggyback onto your Wi-Fi net -- turn off peer-to-peer connections.

3.Stop broadcasting your router's network ID.

4.Approve all wireless network users in advance.

5.Turn on wireless data encryption.

6.Periodically check router logs for rogue users.

7.Use a strong firewall.

8.Password-protect your computers and files.

9.Put your wireless network on its own subnet.

10.Turn off wireless cards and routers when not in use.

 

[bradthegreat]

I know that I need to do that, the question is how. How can I get into the settings of my router? do I need to be connected directly to it, or can I do that over the wireless?

 

[Peddant]

I don`t know if any of these manuals apply to your model - http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=e...reless+router+manual&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

From here - http://www.utexas.edu/its/wireless/install/install_router.html

"Often, you can access the interface by opening a Web browser and typing http://192.168.1.1 (the default setting for many routers designed for home use). However, your device may use a different method, such as a desktop software program.
Many routers ship by default with a blank user name and standard password (for example, "admin"). Be sure to change this information the first time you log in."



Also from here - http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=52305

"One thing to be aware of with this Netgear Travel Wi-Fi router that's easy to overlook in the instructions is that you can only access the Netgear's Web Browser configuration interface while the router's switch is set to 2 (Multi-User) or 3 (Configuration). With the switch set to Position 1 (Single User) you can't access it.

Dummy me didn't understand why he couldn't get the interface page to come up. Then after reading the instructions I realized I had the switch in Position 1. Just something to be aware of."

In brief BUY ANOTHER ROUTER more suited to a home network.