Training Computer:Setting up a wireless network

Imagine sitting on the sofa in your living room to surf the Web or chatting with friends online while relaxing in his bed at night, or sending documents from the computer in the kitchen at the printer to your home office. A wireless network offers the ultimate in flexibility for networking, and create is easier than you think. This article guides you through the steps to configure your wireless network and start using it.

Getting the right equipment
Before you can configure your wireless network, you need the following:

Broadband Internet connection and modem
A broadband Internet connection is a high-speed Internet connection, unlike a remote connection, which is slower and not powerful enough to support a wireless network. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) and cable are two of the most common broadband connections. You can get a broadband connection in contact with an Internet service provider (ISP). Typically, ISPs that provide DSL are telephone companies and ISPs that provide cable television cable. ISPs often provide modem broadband and might even install it for you. Some Internet service providers also offer combination modem / wireless routers. You can also find these computer or electronics stores.



Cable modem (left) and the DSL modem (right)

Wireless router
A router sends information between your network and the Internet. With a wireless router, you can connect computers in your network using radio signals instead of son. There are several different types of wireless network technology, including 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g. We recommend using a 802.11g router that supports because it is quick and provides a strong wireless signal. For more information on the wireless network technology, see wireless networking: frequently asked questions.



Typical wireless router

Wireless network adapters
A network card is a device that connects your computer to a network. To connect your laptop or desktop computer to your wireless network, the computer must have a wireless network adapter. Most mobile PCs and many desktops come with a wireless network card installed. To check if your computer has a wireless network card, follow these steps:

Click here to open Device Manager. If you are prompted to enter an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

In addition to network cards, click the plus sign ().

Search for a network card that includes "wireless" in the name.



Device Manager shows a wireless network card

If your computer needs a wireless network adapter, you can buy one from a computer or electronics store and install it yourself. USB (Universal Serial Bus) type are a good choice because they are small, easy to install and can be moved around different computers. Make sure you get the same type of cards that your wireless router. The type of adapter is usually indicated on the package, usually with a letter, such as G or A.



USB standard wireless network cards

Setting up the modem and Internet connection
Once you have all the equipment you need to configure your modem and Internet connection. If your modem has not been created for you by your Internet service provider (ISP), follow the instructions that came with your modem to connect to your computer and the Internet. If you use the digital subscriber line (DSL), connect your modem to a phone jack. If you use cable, connect your modem to a cable jack.
Positioning the wireless router
You want to put your wireless router somewhere where he will receive the strongest signal with the least interference. For best results, follow these tips:

Place your wireless router in a central location. Place the router closest to the center of your home as possible to increase the strength of wireless signal throughout the house.

Place the wireless router from the floor and away from walls and metal objects such as metal filing cabinets. The less physical obstructions between your computer and the router signal, the more likely you'll be using the router full signal strength.

Reduce interference. 802.11g network equipment uses 2.4 gigahertz (GHz) radio frequency. It is the same frequency as most microwave and many cordless phones. If you activate the microwave or receive a call on a wireless phone, your wireless signal may be temporarily interrupted. You can avoid most of these issues by using a wireless phone with a higher frequency, such as 5.8 GHz.

Securing your wireless network
Security is always important, with a wireless network, it is even more important because your network signal could go beyond the limits of your home. If you are unsure of your network, people with computers nearby might be able to access information stored on computers on your network and use your Internet connection to get on the website. To help secure your network, follow these steps:

Protect your router to change the default username and password. Most router manufacturers have a default username and password on the router and a network name by default. Someone could use this information to access your router without your knowledge. To avoid this, change the default user name and password for your router. Check the information that came with your device for instructions.

Establish a security key for your network. Like filing cabinets have keys and combinations of safes have wireless networks have a key network security to help protect them from unauthorized access. To establish a network security key, follow these steps:

Click here to open networks and sharing.

In the left pane, click Setup a connection or network.

Click on Setting up a wireless router or access point, and then click Next.

The wizard will guide you through the creation of a network name and a security key. If your router support, the wizard default Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security. We recommend using WPA because it offers better security than the traditional Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) security. With WPA, you can also use a password so you do not remember a cryptic sequence of letters and numbers.
Make sure you write the security key and keep it in a safe place. If you have one, you can also save your security key on a USB key by following the instructions in the wizard.

Use a firewall. A firewall hardware or software that can help protect your computer against hackers and malicious software. Running a firewall on each computer on your network can help control the spread of malicious software on your network, and help protect your computer when you access the Internet. Windows Firewall is included with Windows Vista.
Adding computers to your network
To connect your laptop or desktop to your wireless network, follow these steps:

Click here to open connect to a network.

In the list of networks, click the network you want to connect, and then click Connect.

Enter the security keys. You can either type of key or insert a USB key that contains the security key into a USB port on the computer.

Sharing files and printers
Most people have a wireless network so they can access the Internet from any room in the house, but they also want the freedom to access files and printers wirelessly.

Note
The ability to share files and printers are not included in Windows Vista Starter.

File Sharing
The easiest way to share files on your network is to place them in the Public folder. Any file or folder that you put in the Public folder is automatically shared with people connected to your network. To enable the sharing of public records, follow these steps:

Click here to open networks and sharing.

Click the arrow next to shared public folder, then click the following options:

Turn on sharing with anyone if access to the network can open files

Turn on sharing with anyone if access to the system can open, edit and create files

Disable sharing (for people connected to this computer can still access this folder)

Click Apply.

You have to repeat the above steps on each computer you want to share files.

To share your files, save or copy them to the Public folder on your computer. There is a public folder on each computer. Anyone with a user account on the computer sharing the file. To open the Public folder:

Click to open documents.

In the navigation pane, under Favorite Links, click Public.



The Public folder

Sharing a printer
If you have a printer attached to one of your computers, you can print from any computer connected to your wireless network. To share a printer, follow these steps:

Log on to the computer printer attached to it.

Click here to open networks and sharing.

Click the arrow next to the printer share, click Enable printer sharing, then click Apply.

Click the arrow next to sharing protected by password, click Disable sharing protected by password, then click Apply.

Note
If you have password protected sharing enabled, people will need a user account with a password on your computer to access your printer.

To access the printer from any computer on the network, follow these steps:

Click here for an open network.

Double-click the computer icon that the printer attached to it.

Double-click the printer icon. Windows will automatically add the printer to your computer and install the printer driver.

Enjoy your freedom
And that's all your wireless network is ready to go. Relax on the couch or on the bridge and make purchases online.

Training Computer:Understanding security and safe computing

If you connect to the Internet, allowing others to use your computer, or share files with others, you should take steps to protect your computer against the damage. Why? Because there are computer criminals (sometimes called hackers or crackers) who attack other people's computers. These people can attack, breaking into your computer via the Internet and stealing your personal information, or indirectly, by creating malicious software (or malware) to damage your computer.

Fortunately, you can protect yourself by taking some simple precautions. This article describes the threats and what you can do to defend against them.

Check your security status with Windows Security Center
Windows Security Center is your headquarters for computer security. It shows your current computer and the security recommends something you need to do to help make your computer more secure. To open:

Click here to open Security Center.

The safety checks your computer for these essential security elements:

Firewall. A firewall can help protect your computer by preventing hackers or malicious software to access it.

Automatic update. Windows can check regularly for updates for your computer and install them automatically.

Malware protection. Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses, worms and other threats to security. Antispyware software can help protect your computer against spyware and other unwanted software.

Other security settings. The safety profile for a good Internet security settings and User Account Control is enabled.
If any of the security elements have a red or yellow, your computer may be vulnerable to security threats. To solve the problem, click an item to expand it, then follow the instructions.

What are security alerts?
If Windows detects that your computer may need to strengthen security in a security area-firewall, automatic updates, malware protection, or other security settings, you will see a notification each When you connect until the problem is resolved. The notifications are displayed in the notification area of the taskbar.

Click on the notification to open Security Center, where you can learn how to solve the problem.

Note
To disable notifications of security or hide the safety icon in the notification area, open security, click Change the way Security Center alerts me, and then choose an option. Even if you disable notifications, security will continue to verify and display the state of security.

Use a firewall
A firewall hardware or software that checks the information from the Internet or a network and then it turns immediately or it can pass through your computer, depending on your firewall settings. In this way, a firewall helps prevent hackers and malware from accessing your computer.

Windows Firewall is integrated with Windows and is automatically activated.

If you run a program as an instant messaging program or network multiplayer game that should receive information from the Internet or a network, the firewall asks if you want to block or unblock (allow) the connection. If you choose to unblock the connection, Windows Firewall creates an exception so that the firewall will not bother you at this issue needs to receive information in the future.

Use protection against viruses
Viruses, worms and Trojan horses are programs created by hackers who use the Internet to infect vulnerable computers. Viruses and worms can replicate from computer to computer, while the Trojans enter a computer by hiding in a seemingly legitimate program as a screen saver. Destructive viruses, worms, Trojan horses and can delete information from your hard disk or completely disable your computer. Others do not cause direct damage, but worsen your computer's performance and stability.

Antivirus scan e-mail and other files on your computer from viruses, worms and Trojan horses. If there is, the virus is in quarantine (isolate), he or she removes all the damage before it your computer and files.

Windows does not have a built-in antivirus, but the manufacturer of your computer may have installed. Security check whether your computer has antivirus protection. If not, go to anti-Microsoft Partners Web page to find viruses.

Because new viruses are identified each day, it is important to choose an antivirus program with a capacity of patches. When the antivirus software is updated, it adds new viruses to its list of viruses to check, helping to protect your computer against new attacks. If the virus does not update, your computer is vulnerable to new threats. Updates usually require an annual subscription. Keep an existing subscription to receive regular updates.

Warning
If you do not use antivirus software, you expose your computer to damage from malicious software. You can also run the risk of spreading viruses to other computers.

Use spyware protection
Spyware is software that can display advertisements, collect information about you or change the settings on your computer, generally without appropriately obtaining your consent. For example, spyware can install unwanted toolbars, links or bookmarks in your Web browser, change your default home page, display or pop-up often. Some spyware do not have symptoms displays that you can detect, but secretly collect sensitive information, such as Web sites you visit or the text that you type. Most spyware is installed by free software you download, but in some cases, simply visiting a Web site results from infection with spyware.

To help protect your computer against spyware, use an antispyware program. This version of Windows has a built-in antispyware called Windows Defender, which is enabled by default. Windows Defender notifies you when spyware tries to install it on your computer. It can also scan your computer for spyware and then delete it.

Because new spyware appears every day, Windows Defender must be updated regularly to detect and protect against the latest spyware threats. Windows Defender is updated every time you update Windows. For the highest level of protection, set Windows to install updates automatically (see below).

Windows update automatically
Microsoft regularly offers important updates for Windows that can help protect your computer against new viruses and other threats to security. To ensure you receive these updates as quickly as possible, turn on automatic updating. In this way, you do not have to worry that critical fixes for Windows might be missing from your computer.

Updates are downloaded in the background when you are connected to the Internet. Updates are installed à 3h00 unless you specify another time. If you turn off your computer before then, you can install the updates before shutting down. Otherwise, Windows will install the next time you start your computer.

To activate the automatic update
Click to open Windows Update.

Click on Edit Settings.

Make sure you install updates automatically (recommended) is selected. Windows will install important updates for your computer as they become available. Important updates provide significant benefits such as improved security and reliability.

Under recommended updates, make sure Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box is selected, then click OK. Recommended Updates are non-critical problems and help improve your computing experience. If you are prompted to enter an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Use a standard user account
When you connect to your computer, Windows grants you a certain level of rights and privileges depending on the type of user account that you have. There are three types of user accounts: standard, administrator, and customers.

Even if an administrator account provides complete control over a computer, using an account can help make your computer more secure. That way, if other people (or hackers) access your computer while you are connected, they can not touch the computer's security settings or modify other user accounts.

To determine your type of account
Click to view user accounts.

The type of account is under your name.

If you are currently using an administrator account, see Changing a user account type to learn how to change a standard.

Tips for using e-mail and Web Security
Be cautious when opening e-mail attachments. e-mail attachments (files attached to e-mails) are the main source of infection by the virus. Never open an attachment from someone you do not know. If you know the sender but not expecting an attachment, verify that the sender actually sent the attachment before opening it. See When to trust an e-mail and avoid e-mail virus.

Protect your personal information carefully. If a Web site requires a credit card number, bank account information or other personal information, make sure you trust the Web site and verify that its transaction system is secure. See When to trust a Web site.

Use anti-phishing filter in Internet Explorer. Phishing is the practice of creating fraudulent e-mails and Web sites to trick computer users to reveal personal or financial information. The fraudulent e-mail or website appears to be a trusted source, such as a bank, credit card company, or reputations online. The Phishing Filter helps detect phishing websites to protect yourself against scams. See Phishing Filter: frequently asked questions.

Be careful when you click on links in e-mails. Hyperlinks (links that open websites when you click them) are often used as part of phishing and spyware scams, but they can also transmit viruses. Just click on links in emails that you trust.

The installation of add-ons Web site that you trust. Web browser add-ons, including ActiveX controls, web pages for things like displaying toolbars, stock tickers, video and animation. However, add-ons can also install spyware or other malicious software. If a site asks you to install an add-on, make sure you trust before doing so. If you install ActiveX controls? and Internet Explorer add-ons: frequently asked questions.

Training Computer:Managing your contacts

You can use Windows to keep track of people and organizations by creating contacts for them in Windows Contacts. Each contains contact information for a person or organization.

When you need to look for a friend's email address or phone number, you can open your Contacts folder and find there. If you want to take notes on a contact, you can store them in the Contacts folder. Whatever the type of contact information you want to remember about someone, you can put it in the Contacts folder own image.

The Contacts folder also functions like the address book for Windows Mail. When you create an e-mail message in Windows Mail, you select the recipient from your Contacts folder. Even if you do not use Windows Mail as your e-mail, you can still use Windows Contacts to store information on persons and agencies.

What is in a contact?
You can store as much information as you want on each contact, including one of the following:

E-mail. Store as many email addresses as you want for a contact, and create one as the preferred address. (The best e-mail address is what Windows Mail will use if you want to send someone e-mail quickly without selecting from a list of all their addresses.)

An image. Adding a photo of a contact can help you remember the person.

Phone numbers. You can store home, work, cell, fax and phone numbers of contact.

Addresses. You can store both home and work addresses of contact.

Information on families. You can enter information about a contact's spouse or partner, children, sex, date of birth and birthday.

Website addresses. You can store both home and work address of a website for a contact.

Notes. Type other information on a contact.

Find Contacts
Click here to open Windows Contacts.

Note
You can find the Contacts folder you by clicking the Start button, click Programs, then clicking Windows Contacts.


Adding a contact
Click here to open Windows Contacts.

Click New contact, and then type the information you want to contact one of the boxes on the tabs available. You do not need to complete all cases, simply enter as much information as you want on the contact.

Adding information to a contact
Click here to open Windows Contacts.

Double-click the contact you want to change.

Click on the tab where you want to add information, then type in one of the boxes available.

Adding a new image to a contact
Click here to open Windows Contacts.

Double-click the contact with the image you want to change. (Windows adds a default image for each contact that you can change at any picture or graphic you want.)

On the name and e-mail, click on the image of contact, and one of the following methods:

To add a new image, click Change picture, locate the image you want to use to contact, click it, then click Open.

To remove an existing image, click Delete image. The situation will return to the image of default contact used by Windows. (You can not delete this file by default.)

For more information, see Add or remove pictures in contacts.

Creating contact groups (mailing lists)
You can also create contact groups, which combine multiple contacts into a single group. Create a contact group you can send e-mail to many people. If you send an e-mail to a contact group, it will be sent to all that you have added to the group. Sending e-mail to a contact group may be much easier than adding names one at a time to an e-mail message, especially if you often send messages to a group of people.

Sending contacts to other people
In addition to using Windows Contacts at the e-mail and store information on persons and agencies, you can also send contacts to other people. This is useful if you want to send someone information about yourself or someone else. There is no need to type a series of phone numbers, addresses and other contact information in an e-mail send their contact with the information you want to share.

To send a contact to someone who is not using this version of Windows, you first need to May export contact to another format. For more information, see the import, export, or change the format of contacts.

Note
If you upgrade to this version of Windows from Windows XP, each of your contacts in the Windows Address Book will be automatically stored in Windows Contacts.