How To Secure Wireless Network

Securing your WiFi network is a necessary step to prevent a malicious user to use your wireless-son. Change the user password of your wireless router
Accessing the configuration utility of your router is secured with a username and a password. Set your network name (SSID)
All Wi-Fi network has a name: the SSID (Service Set IDentifier). In the configuration utility for your router, change the default SSID name, avoiding either too simple.
Enable encryption on your network (security key)
Before using your wireless network-son, it will be useful to encrypt it with a numerical key to not let users access only to have it. If your router and your wireless adapters support it, son, we recommend you opt for WPA with a key encryption key "pre-shared". Filter MAC addresses
Devices (PC or PDA) connected to a wireless network and son have a network card fitted to a specific address: MAC address (irrespective of this, a computer is defined by his IP address). Configure wireless machines
For each machine can connect to the network you must specify the information listed above. Then enter the digital encryption key that was specified in the utility ocnfiguration router. Enable File Sharing
To share files between computers and peripherals connected to WiFi, you must enable file sharing. Choose "Control Panel", then "Network Connections" and click on "Create a home network or a corporate network. Select "This computer connects to the Internet through another computer on my home network or via a residential gateway. To share a folder with Windows XP, right click on the file in question, then select "Sharing and Security" and tick the option "Share this folder". To then access to all shared folders from any machine on the network, click "Start" then "Favorites Network.

Connect your laptop to a wireless network using Windows XP

Here's what you need to know (and do) to connect your laptop to a wireless network and get Internet access. That said, the next thing you need is to have a laptop with wireless networking capabilities. Click on Start | Settings | (Control Panel) | Network Connections
Under "LAN or High-Speed Internet" you should see a wireless connection icon. (If not, see below about installing a wireless network card). Right-click on the wireless connection icon.
In the pop-up menu, select "View Available Wireless Networks." In the "Wireless Networking Connection" window, click on the appropriate wireless network. Check the box that says "Allow me to connect to the selected wireless network."
Note: If your laptop does not already have built-in wireless networking, you will need to purchase and install, or have installed, a Wireless Networking Card. There are many brands of wireless networking cards. If you choose another brand, be certain that the card is WiFi Certified. (For a list of 802.11b and 802.11g certified cards, please visit the WiFi Alliance website.)