How To Connect to the Internet - Revision history

Scott.morris at 22:54, 2 July 2014

2014-07-02T22:54:52Z

Scott.morris at 22:53, 2 July 2014

2014-07-02T22:53:39Z

Paulm: /* Wired Vs Wireless */

2012-08-24T17:47:10Z

Wired Vs Wireless

Paulm: /* Wired Vs Wireless */

2012-08-24T17:46:48Z

Wired Vs Wireless

Paulm: /* If your wireless connection is unreliable */

2012-08-15T00:36:15Z

If your wireless connection is unreliable

Paulm: /* If your wireless connection is unreliable */

2012-08-15T00:32:32Z

If your wireless connection is unreliable

Paulm: /* How to Connect Via Ethernet (wired connections) */

2012-08-15T00:31:43Z

How to Connect Via Ethernet (wired connections)

Paulm: /* If your wireless connection is unreliable */

2012-08-15T00:30:44Z

If your wireless connection is unreliable

Paulm: /* If your wireless connection is unreliable */

2012-08-15T00:28:39Z

If your wireless connection is unreliable

Paulm: /* Troubleshooting */

2012-08-15T00:18:13Z

Troubleshooting

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 {{Migrated}}
+[[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1diucBZldvnqgika5GhWNzRSmx4l3Xo0NIpiYSnq6NyA/edit?usp=sharing Google Doc]]
 '''<span style="color:red">N.B. This page covers how to connect to the Internet via Wireless or a wired connection. For instance if you are trying to connect to a wireless access point at a coffee shop or the library, or if you have a home broadband or DSL connection (typically from Comcast or CenturyLink  in Portland). It does not cover connecting via a dial up modem or via 3G (e.g. via Clear).</span>'''

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:53, 2 July 2014
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		+	{{Migrated}}
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	'''<span style="color:red">N.B. This page covers how to connect to the Internet via Wireless or a wired connection. For instance if you are trying to connect to a wireless access point at a coffee shop or the library, or if you have a home broadband or DSL connection (typically from Comcast or CenturyLink in Portland). It does not cover connecting via a dial up modem or via 3G (e.g. via Clear).</span>'''		'''<span style="color:red">N.B. This page covers how to connect to the Internet via Wireless or a wired connection. For instance if you are trying to connect to a wireless access point at a coffee shop or the library, or if you have a home broadband or DSL connection (typically from Comcast or CenturyLink in Portland). It does not cover connecting via a dial up modem or via 3G (e.g. via Clear).</span>'''

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 Wired connections are cheaper (wireless cards cost from $15 up + the cost of the router while an ethernet cable can be brought from the Thrift Store for $2), faster, secure and very reliable -- for this reason they are typically favored by businesses. Wireless connections, on the other hand, allow you to eliminate unsightly cables, hook up computers in other parts of your house, easily,  and allow a greater range of devices to connect to the network (e.g. smart phones and tablets). On the downside they can be slower and less reliable: interference from other wireless routers, wall or floors between the computer and the wireless router, even the leaves on trees in the wrong season can all cause problems. In general, though, the convenience outweighs the potential downsides for typical home users.
 If you want to put a wireless card in your desktop you need to be aware that some models work much better than others and some won't work at all with Linux. You should contact [Tech support] for advice before buying one (staff in the Thrift Store will also be able to ensure you get one that is compatible with Linux).
 == Before You Start ==

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 == Wired Vs Wireless ==
 Laptops from Free Geek come with wireless already installed, Desktops do not. If you have broadband at home your broadband provider will typically have given you a wireless router. These are also often available in the Free Geek Thrift Store at low cost. If you have a desktop you have a choice of installing a wireless card or using a wired (ethernet) connection (wireless routers also allow you to connect to them via an ethernet cable as well).
 Wired connections are cheaper (wireless cards cost from $15 up + the cost of the router while an ethernet cable can be brought from the Thrift Store for $2), faster, secure and very reliable -- for this reason they are typically favored by businesses. Wireless connections, on the other hand, allow you to eliminate unsightly cables, hook up computers in other parts of your house, easily,  and allow a greater range of devices to connect to the network (e.g. smart phones and tablets). On the downside they can be slower and less reliable: interference from other wireless routers, wall or floors between the computer and the wireless router, even the leaves on trees in the wrong season can all cause problems. In general, though, the convenience outweighs the potential downsides for typical home users.
 If you want to put a wireless card in your desktop you need to be aware that some models work much better than others and some won't work at all with Linux. You should contact [Tech support] for advice before buying one (staff in the Thrift Store will also be able to ensure you get one that is compatible with Linux).
-−
+|
 == Before You Start ==

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 Other times it is because the computer is too far from the router or there are too many walls and such like in between the two. This is difficult to deal with except by moving the computer closer. If this is not possible you can also buy a specialist antenna and connect it to the router (you can also get another antenna for the computer). These boost the signal either because of their size, superior design and/or because they send the signal in a narrower direction (called directional or sectional antenna's these can make a lot of difference). Unfortunately these are not cheap, though they can make a dramatic difference. It is possible to make your own if you are handy with a soldering iron (do a search for 'cantenna'). You might also be able to use a range booster which rebroadcasts the signal.  You should contact [[Tech support]] for advice before spending a lot of money.
-'''If none of the above work contact [[Tech support]]: it's best if you do so by phone while you are sitting in front of your computer in the place where you are trying to connect.'''
+'''If none of the above work contact [[Tech support]]''' : it's best if you do so by phone while you are sitting in front of your computer in the place where you are trying to connect.
 <small>[1]How to do this will be different for each model of router. You should check your routers manual or help pages for more info. Typically you need to connect to a special webpage with your browser. You will need a user name or password. This is often written down on the underside of the router. If not try connecting to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is usually admin and the default password one of admin, password, 1234 or just leaving it blank. It's a good to change this to something more secure. You should also consider setting up an encrypted network with WPA if you haven't done so. (Some people like to leave theirs unencrypted  (also known as  'open') to allow their neighbors etc to share it. If you want to share your connection you might also want to think about making it encrypted and giving out a password to people you want to share it with).</small>

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 ===If your wireless connection is unreliable===
-This can have a number of causes. Sometimes it is caused by interference as a result of too many people using the same wireless channel. Most people use the default channel so setting your router to use a different channel will some times help [2]. You can install a tool called 'Wifi Radar' that will show networks are broadcasting on what channel (you will find it under the Internet menu of Applications).
+This can have a number of causes. Sometimes it is caused by interference as a result of too many people using the same wireless channel. Most people use the default channel so setting your router to use a different channel will some times help [1]. You can install a tool called 'Wifi Radar' that will show networks are broadcasting on what channel (you will find it under the Internet menu of Applications).
 Other times it is because the computer is too far from the router or there are too many walls and such like in between the two. This is difficult to deal with except by moving the computer closer. If this is not possible you can also buy a specialist antenna and connect it to the router (you can also get another antenna for the computer). These boost the signal either because of their size, superior design and/or because they send the signal in a narrower direction (called directional or sectional antenna's these can make a lot of difference). Unfortunately these are not cheap, though they can make a dramatic difference. It is possible to make your own if you are handy with a soldering iron (do a search for 'cantenna'). You might also be able to use a range booster which rebroadcasts the signal.  You should contact [[Tech support]] for advice before spending a lot of money.
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 '''If none of the above work contact [[Tech support]]: it's best if you do so by phone while you are sitting in front of your computer in the place where you are trying to connect.'''
-[2]How to do this will be different for each model of router. You should check your routers manual or help pages for more info. Typically you need to connect to a special webpage with your browser. You will need a user name or password. This is often written down on the underside of the router. If not try connecting to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is usually admin and the default password one of admin, password, 1234 or just leaving it blank. It's a good to change this to something more secure. You should also consider setting up an encrypted network with WPA if you haven't done so. (Some people like to leave theirs unencrypted  (also known as  'open') to allow their neighbors etc to share it. If you want to share your connection you might also want to think about making it encrypted and giving out a password to people you want to share it with).</ref>
+<small>[1]How to do this will be different for each model of router. You should check your routers manual or help pages for more info. Typically you need to connect to a special webpage with your browser. You will need a user name or password. This is often written down on the underside of the router. If not try connecting to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is usually admin and the default password one of admin, password, 1234 or just leaving it blank. It's a good to change this to something more secure. You should also consider setting up an encrypted network with WPA if you haven't done so. (Some people like to leave theirs unencrypted  (also known as  'open') to allow their neighbors etc to share it. If you want to share your connection you might also want to think about making it encrypted and giving out a password to people you want to share it with).</small>
 [[Category: Tech support]]

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 <small> Image: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tompagenet/2410653992/| tompagenet] released under a [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en_GB| creative commons] license.</small>
-Picture showing the ethernet socket on a laptop. It is the socket on the right. Note the symbol above it and the two led lights built in*. The connection on the left is the modem.
+Picture showing the ethernet socket on a laptop. It is the socket on the right. Note the symbol above it and the two led lights built in (Most, but not all, ethernet sockets have these built in).The connection on the left is the modem. An Ethernet socket is also referred to as a NIC or network card.
 == Troubleshooting ==

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 ===If your wireless connection is unreliable===
-This can have a number of causes. Sometimes it is caused by interference as a result of too many people using the same wireless channel. Most people use the default channel so setting your router to use a different channel* will some times help. You can install a tool called 'Wifi Radar' that will show networks are broadcasting on what channel (you will find it under the Internet menu of Applications).
+This can have a number of causes. Sometimes it is caused by interference as a result of too many people using the same wireless channel. Most people use the default channel so setting your router to use a different channel will some times help<ref name="router" />. You can install a tool called 'Wifi Radar' that will show networks are broadcasting on what channel (you will find it under the Internet menu of Applications).
 Other times it is because the computer is too far from the router or there are too many walls and such like in between the two. This is difficult to deal with except by moving the computer closer. If this is not possible you can also buy a specialist antenna and connect it to the router (you can also get another antenna for the computer). These boost the signal either because of their size, superior design and/or because they send the signal in a narrower direction (called directional or sectional antenna's these can make a lot of difference). Unfortunately these are not cheap, though they can make a dramatic difference. It is possible to make your own if you are handy with a soldering iron (do a search for 'cantenna'). You might also be able to use a range booster which rebroadcasts the signal.  You should contact [[Tech support]] for advice before spending a lot of money.
-* How to do this will be different for each model of router. You should check your routers manual or help pages for more info. Typically you need to connect to a special webpage with your browser. You will need a user name or password. This is often written down on the underside of the router. If not try connecting to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is usually admin and the default password one of admin, password, 1234 or just leaving it blank. It's a good to change this to something more secure. You should also consider setting up an encrypted network with WPA if you haven't done so. (Some people like to leave theirs unencrypted  (also known as  'open') to allow their neighbors etc to share it. If you want to share your connection you might also want to think about making it encrypted and giving out a password to people you want to share it with).
+<references>
+<ref name="router">How to do this will be different for each model of router. You should check your routers manual or help pages for more info. Typically you need to connect to a special webpage with your browser. You will need a user name or password. This is often written down on the underside of the router. If not try connecting to 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in your browser. The default username is usually admin and the default password one of admin, password, 1234 or just leaving it blank. It's a good to change this to something more secure. You should also consider setting up an encrypted network with WPA if you haven't done so. (Some people like to leave theirs unencrypted  (also known as  'open') to allow their neighbors etc to share it. If you want to share your connection you might also want to think about making it encrypted and giving out a password to people you want to share it with).</ref>
+</references>
 [[Category: Tech support]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:18, 15 August 2012
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−	~~== Troubleshooting ==~~
	== Troubleshooting ==		== Troubleshooting ==