03/ 13/ 2006
by Judy Artunian
Imagine your office without that jumble of cords and cables behind every desk. You don't need to be an information technology professional to set up a wireless office. But if the idea of pulling the plug on your computers makes you nervous, consider starting with the simplest device conversions and gradually work your way up to more complex systems.
Here is a quick overview of what you can accomplish without too much fuss.
Your computer mouse and keyboard are good place to start. With these peripherals no longer tethered to your PC, you can enjoy the flexibility of moving farther away from your hard drive and monitor when you need to. Wireless mice and keyboards come with installation software that guides you through the simple set-up process. That process includes pressing a button or two to officially “partner” your mouse or keyboard to your computer. These devices are battery-powered. So if they stop working, check the batteries first.
Next up could be a wireless headset for your cell phone. With a wireless headset, you no longer have to worry about a headset cord getting tangled around your phone. There are many Bluetooth-based headsets that can be used with today’s Bluetooth-enabled cell phones. You can get your headset in gear by following the instruction manual. If your cell phone isn't Bluetooth enabled, you can still use one of these headsets by purchasing an adapter. Bluetooth is a standard technology. That means you may be able to use your headset with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a desktop or laptop computer.
Setting up a Wi-Fi network is a bit more involved, but once it’s up and running, you may wonder how you lived without it. A Wi-Fi network allows two or more computers to share an Internet connection. A Wi-Fi router is the center of the network, communicating with other installed devices. Signals from the router can reach computers as far as 300 feet away, depending on the environment. To improve the Wi-Fi signal’s reach, keep the router away from metal, brick and stone walls.
Most routers come with a CD that provides step-by-step installation instructions. The router connects to your cable or DSL modem and to one of your computers. But before you can add a computer to a wireless network, it must be Wi-Fi-ready. If a computer doesn't have built-in Wi-Fi, you can add a wireless card or an external adapter.
Experts caution that whenever you add a piece of hardware or software to a computer system, problems can follow. Some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Make sure the software drivers you install are 100 percent compatible with your operating system. When in doubt, contact the company that makes the software driver that you plan to install.
- If you don't want to call in a technician at the first sign of trouble, conduct an online search for the answer to your problem. For example, if you get an error message, do a search for the exact wording of the error message. When problems arise, many professional computer technicians consult Experts Exchange (www.experts-exchange.com).
- Don't forget security. If your Wi-Fi network isn't secure, anyone can connect to it. That means workers in the office next door could use your Internet access without you ever knowing. Make sure your network is password protected. The Wi-Fi router’s installation CD should walk you through the security set-up procedure.
