Joe's Security

You don't need to use the installation CD that came with your router/firewall - regardless of the big, red sticker that says "Run CD First!" Why? All these devices are easily configured using nothing but a browser. You don't need any useless software to help you.

Let's make sure your computer is set to get its IP address automatically using DHCP. You'll want to go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Settings -> Local Area Connection.

Right-click Connections and click Properties. Like this:

Then go to TCP/IP settings:

 ... and make sure is set to DHCP:

Unplug your computer's ethernet cable from its' Internet connection and plug it into any LAN port (not WAN) on your Linksys. With another ethernet cable, plug your WAN port into your cable or DSL modem.

Assuming your Linksys is powered on, in your DOS window type (of course no quotes) "ipconfig /release" then hit enter. Then in your DOS window type "ipconfig /renew" then hit enter. This forces your computer to get new address settings from the Linksys.

If you have a "smart" Internet provider like me, your Linksys already got a new address on its' WAN port and DNS settings for your inside computer(s). If so, now you can already surf the 'net!

But we're gonna want to:

- Check a few settings in your router/firewall
- Set up your wireless network- Check a few settings in your router/firewall
- And solve a few of the common issues some folks have when setting these things up.

Next...