NETWORK MAGIC/Anyone hear of this??
 

Hi all:

Alan and I just came from having breakfast and we hooked up with a network engineer. What a fascinating hour we spent. I picked his brain. I told him I want to get a laptop and I told him I learned about routers (Linkskeys is a good one he said). He then said "do you know that once you have a wi-fi thing going on in your home, anybody from outside can use your wireless network.?? I said "I didn't know that".

He then said "I use Network Magic, I downloaded it for $30 from the internet, and it tells you when someone is using your wi fi. I said "really?" He said "when you hook up your laptop, and you are all up and running, you go to your computer, you click on the icon NETWORK MAGIC, you click on where it indicates any unauthorized users, and you will see up on the screen, their user ID." I said "that's fantastic".

That's when Alan said "you lost me when you started talking about WI FI".

We got hysterical.

I understood the guy completely. I just wanted to find out if any of you have used this software program.

Thanks much, Melody


http://www.networkmagic.com/nmlp/hom...2Ri-B7OUhi3jos

Setting up a home router is honestly not difficult to do if you follow the instruction booklet. (I have a Linksys.) Most routers (definitely Linksys) come with abilities to secure your own network. You can SEE all the wireless networks in the area but can only hook into one if it's unsecured (which it will tell you) or if you're a hacker! I really don't know what the point of Network Magic would be -- on one hand if there IS a hacker it could be good to know but I doubt you would be able to identify the source. One piece of advice though that I do have in setting up a network is to NOT name it something that can be immediately identifiable to someone who doesn't know you. No addresses and I wouldn't even suggest using a last name -- aside from cyber-invasion, this way if someone does see something that might be in your home as tantalizing by virtue of hacking in, they wouldn't know which home to go to!! (Or know when you were or weren't home.)

mel you do not need extra software all wireless routers have the ability for secured connections, which means I would need to know your encryption code and password, its very easy to do, when you install it the disc will even ask you if you want a secured connection, and will pretty much do it all for you

I would suggest the Internet Security Suites type of security programs.

Most of those cover all that {wifi protection}so you don't have to worry.
I'm using the Zone Alarm one this year :) along with the Threatfire program that adds another layer of protection.

[ZoneAlarm® Internet Security Suite
Complete protection for your PC in a single, comprehensive program
Banish viruses, block spam, and remove spyware from your PC for good. ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite not only eradicates threats but also prevents them from ever entering in the first place. Comprehensive protection defends your PC with robust firewall technology and stops identity thieves and spammers in a single, easy-to-use application.]http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/catalog/products/zonealarm_internet_security_suite.jsp

I got Network Magic on my Dlink install cd, tried it a couple of times...
But we are out in the country so if anyone was trying to access our wifi they'd have to be in our driveway and the dogs would be barking LOL.
We tested our signal strength with the laptop outside, it doesn't go very far.

But in a town or city where others are right next door, that is something to be aware of.
As long as they can't get into your computers that is the main thing.

I am with Bearygood and Weakafter30kiz...

the software is created for folks that are "AFRAID" to mess with their own network products...

Case in point: everyone can do MSCONFIG on their puter but most don't know how and/or rather spent 30 bucks on a program that brings up MSCONFIG as an icon on the desktop cause it is easier to just click on that icon rather than go into command....

it all goes back to everything is out there for free, really...there are great FREE anit-virus softwares out there, but the folks that sell it will tout theirs are the best.

so, the other folks say, hey, most people are afraid, let's just create something for them so it is a simple icon on their desktop and charge them 30 bucks cause they've made it easier for the folks..

now, sure, we pay for convenience...just like we can all make our own burgers but we'd rather go to McDonald's....

I think it ends up being a personal choice if you know all your choices. If you'd just rather click on a button or go to Linksys website, sign in as admin, go in and secure your network blah blah blah...which would only take a few minutes (30 minutes or more if you are new to it?)

and they have free tech support the first 90 days or something....

I would personally say that this program is just something like a store hamburger...you can make your own which will take time, or you can just buy it at Wendy's...

:)

BTW, did you know you have a BUILT in Fax machine on your puter?? But most people will go out and buy a fax machine or one of those 4-1's???

I am not sure what was in my tea today...so I need to go and drink some iced tea...LOLOLOL

You know, I really need to investigate the fax thing. I do have a real machine but it's acting up. I'm just always scared I'm going to fax someone the wrong thing if I do it through my computer!!! :eek:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...october21.mspx

http://www.pctipsbox.com/how-to-fax-...ng-windows-xp/

So let me see if I get this straight. I get a laptop, I get the Linsky Router. I hook everything up.

I then can go on my desktop to Linsky's website, and click on SOMETHING, and this will tell me if people are using my wi-fi??

See how dumb I am?

You are all probably saying to yourselves.: "This broad really needs Network Magic".

Mel,

be sure that when you buy your linksys, it is at least in G-band.

and has at least a WPA feature.

it will come with a disc and instructions.

It'll tell you to go to their website, log in.

Set it up that way.

and you can call their free techsupport to walk you through...you can call as many times as you'd like as long as your linksys is under warranty...

linksys basics

and you are NOT dumb...

I love how you want to learn things...if all my clients are like you, I would be outta business... :)

Melody, if I can do it so can you!!

And what we are saying is that the most important thing is to secure your network. That's the focus -- it is very hard for others to get in and even if you COULD see that someone is getting in, there would be no way to identify who it was. Just make your password a good one. And you don't have to remember it each time -- it will allow you access automatically from the computer you set up the router on. Same goes for a network -- we're getting a little advanced here but if you have more than one computer, you can allow all of them access to each other (if you want).

When you install your router you will be able to click on something to view "available networks". It will show you YOUR network and also your neighbors' networks that are in reach. BUT it will also state if a network is "secured" or "unsecured". The reason I mentioned to not name it something like "Melody's house" is that if you turn your router on and off (some people leave them on all the time -- I actually mostly do) you'll actually be alerting people to when you are and aren't home.

Basically, we're saying save the $30 on Network Magic. :)

Okay, now I am totally confused.

What am I naming here?? You say not to name it Melody's House.

What am I naming Melody's House?

I have a desk top computer. It's an HP Pavillion, media center.

It doesn't have any name.

When I buy the router and set up the Linskey thing and my laptop, do I then have to give something a name?

See where I'm confused.

I have one computer. Both Alan and I use it. No one else comes in my home and uses my computer.

So from what I'm understanding. I buy the router (Linskey), I buy a laptop, I hook everything up, I go to Linskey's website, I click on, I register, I sign up or do whatever they tell me to do.

So what am I naming????

Thanks, Melody

You are naming your wireless network. Others will be able to see its name, just as you will be able to view other wireless networks within distance of your own. :)

We use Network Magic at our house. Hubby set it up so that we can put files/ pictures in a shared folder and we are able to view them on any of the puters in the house. Don't know if we needed it for that but it works for us. Hubby is the PC guy around here I just click and go LOL

We have 4 desktops and 2 laptops connected to it. Sometimes it is picky but for the most part it works great.

Melody, when I search for available wireless networks I come up with 4 different networks. 3 of them are secure and I know which is mine from the name we gave it. Then our password is saved so we just have to click on it.

I was able to set up my sisters wireless at her house using Linksys and it was pretty easy so I know you can do it. But please ask questions as I love to read them :D ...Sue

Okay, here we go ONE MORE TIME, just so I get this straight.

I buy a laptop, I buy a Linsky Router, I connect the Router to the modem, and the other side of the router goes to the back of my Tower,

I then get my laptop, turn it on. I go to Linskys website, and register.

When do I name my wireless network?? (When I register it at Linskys??).

God, this is fascinating.

I'm actually naming a wireless something.

I haven't even bought anything yet. lol

Mel

You name it when you are installing the router. It will signal you when to do it.

Looking at snoozie's post about Network Magic, it seems its value might mostly be for hooking up different computers in your home to the same network so you can all easily access the same files. Just note that you can still do this without NM.

Since I only have one desktop and I'm thinking of getting a laptop, (which will need a router), then I don't think I'll need the Network magic thing.

And I now know that when I hook up the router, it will prompt me to give it a name. Really??

When does it do this?

Let's say I bought a laptop today, and I hooked up the router.

I turn on my desktop. Will there be an icon on my screen saying "LOOK AT YOU, YOU NOW HAVE A ROUTER, GIVE IT A NAME!!! (or something to that effect. lol).

thanks much

Mel

Many things like that are "plug n play" meaning once it's connected it will automatically work right away - or a pop up with a wizard or set up program will appear on screen.

Or a install CD will come with the product and it will guide you. usually it will have something with a box that says name network or network name- and you just fill it in.

I found this on the Network Magic site a comparison of their products - they do have a free one...
http://www.networkmagic.com/product/compare.php

I hope I'm not bringing up a thread that's too old.

You should be fine without it. When you run the software for the router, it'll ask for a name as one of the steps.

If you set up the network (install the router) using the laptop, your desktop won't see it until you add a new network connection on it. At that time you'll be asked to give the name of the network and the password, and will have to set it up to always use that connection or to give a choice of connections to use.

Once you have a wireless connection on a computer, you can use your own network or a neighbor's if they have an unsecured one. I'd suggest always using your own rather than just letting it pick the first one because it should have the strongest and most reliable signal since it's closest to you.

Good luck with it.

Switch:

You said the following:

If you set up the network (install the router) using the laptop, your desktop won't see it until you add a new network connection on it. At that time you'll be asked to give the name of the network and the password, and will have to set it up to always use that connection or to give a choice of connections to use."

I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA WHAT YOU WROTE....lol

I thought you set up the network via the desktop (because that's where the router is being hooked up).

God, I'm so dumb.

Melody

I think it is which ever way you do the set up- from the desktop or from the laptop.
You may want to set up each one so it will see the other - Depends on if you want to share files between the machines or not..

It's been awhile since we used a shared network here.

We all use the same wireless router to get to the internet here - but I don't have file sharing enabled, only for specific uses- then I turn sharing off again.

It's really pretty easy unless someone changed some default settings on the desktop or if antivirus or firewall are set at very high security level

Sorry, you aren't dumb. I've just worked with networking so long that I forget that not everybody has experience with it.

I shouldn't have said that it would have already been installed, but I thought you had meant that you'd use the laptop to get it set up. My router isn't connected to any computer, it's only connected to my cable modem and the computers have wireless cards in them that work with the router. I've never used a wireless router with a dial up connection, so I'm not really sure how that works.

Either way, you would have to install the hardware and set up the network from one of the computers and have a wireless card or onboard (built-in) wireless in the other. To use the wireless with the one not used to set it up, you'd have to set up a new internet connection (adding the wireless connection) and it would then search for any wireless networks in your area.

I do think you'll find it's much easier than you expect, because the router should come with instructions for setting it up and a CD to do most of the work. It's during the initial set up that you name the network and enter the password, and then you enter them both when you add the connection to the second computer.

okay, here's where I get confused.

What is sharing files. Alan and I go on the internet. And once in a while I type a letter on Microsoft word.

That's about all we do on the desktop.

So what files would I be sharing with a laptop??

Thanks much

Melody

I didn't think you would need to worry about that part of a network, but wanted to mention it.
There might be a question about sharing files during the set up, so you would want to say no.