Seeking advice on the best network solution for a home network... CORRECTED!

[Sunny Side]

I am in need of some advice on how to network* the following machines:

MICRON DESKTOP COMPUTER (1)
Pentium III
733Mhz.
Windows 98SE
128 Meg RAM
20 Gig. HD

HP PAVILION ZE5400 LAPTOPS (2)
Pentium 4
2.6Ghz.
Windows XP
512 Meg. RAM
80 Gig HD

---

I do not yet have a high-speed connection and am debating between DSL
and a cable modem. Your advice is also desired on this.

---

* Here is my list of criteria for the proposed network, listed in the
order of each item's importance:

1. Wireless
2. Easy to install/operate
3. Secure (for regular home use -- not NSA-level stuff)
4. Ability to share Internet, printer, and files
5. Cost

---

I would like to know:

1. The Brand.Model you recommend
2. The general lay-out (example: Install card X in the Micron machine,
etc.)
3. Where you suggest I purchase the components.

---

Maybe there are other questions I should ask or criteria I should add
but am too much of a novice to know. Please feel free to supply what
may be lacking from the lists.

Thank you!

 

[Gary Dale]

I am in need of some advice on how to network* the following machines:

MICRON DESKTOP COMPUTER (1)
Pentium III
733Mhz.
Windows 98SE
128 Meg RAM
20 Gig. HD

HP PAVILION ZE5400 LAPTOPS (2)
Pentium 4
2.6Ghz.
Windows XP
512 Meg. RAM
80 Gig HD

---

I do not yet have a high-speed connection and am debating between DSL
and a cable modem. Your advice is also desired on this.

---

* Here is my list of criteria for the proposed network, listed in the
order of each item's importance:

1. Wireless
2. Easy to install/operate
3. Secure (for regular home use -- not NSA-level stuff)
4. Ability to share Internet, printer, and files
5. Cost

---

I would like to know:

1. The Brand.Model you recommend
2. The general lay-out (example: Install card X in the Micron machine,
etc.)
3. Where you suggest I purchase the components.

---

Maybe there are other questions I should ask or criteria I should add
but am too much of a novice to know. Please feel free to supply what
may be lacking from the lists.

Thank you!

Go with a Wireless "G" setup. To share your printer (and Internet), I'd
recommend using a router that has a print server feature. That way the
printer is always accessible without needing to have one computer on all
the time. Turn on the security features, and change the default
passwords, on the router. Make sure the firmware on the router is kept
up to date.

I prefer cable to ADSL because it's easier to set up and usually faster.
If there's a price difference in your area, go for the cheaper one.

Wired connections are faster and more secure, so use wire where you can.