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stupid wifi questions
My only WiFi is an ancient Belkin from maybe a dozen years ago or more- used on my home network (3 PCs, 2 TVs, 1 printer). It still works but time to replace it. When installed, I had a CD with software. The installed program looks like an ancient DOS program. I can get to the program either by installing that software on all the PCs and clicking on its icon in my desktop "tray" or by entering a special number in a browser URL.
I'm thinking of getting a Netgear WiFi. Here's my concern. I've been told by some people who are way beyond me regarding computers that routers now don't need to have software installed. The router will work automatically- just install it, plug everything into it and it'll work. Is it really that simple? But there must be some way to control/modify it? For example, my wife had forced me to have everything connected with Ethernet cables. That's fine- but, I now have an I-Pad and can't use it in the house- I have to go to a library or other place to use it since it doesn't do Ethernet. So, is there a way to use a Netgear WiFi only with Ethernet and have the WiFi off- not sending out signals? She thinks it's a health danger. I don't agree but lost that battle. Or if it can't be turned off- as I could do with the Belkin software, what I don't understand is- if I have no device trying to access it via WiFi signal, does it not emit any radiation? Thus, I wouldn't need to try to turn it off? I suspect if that's the case, it must have some low level signal all the time in case any device tries to access it- but it would not be beaming full strength???
Also, one "expert" said in the short term- I don't even need to uninstall the Belkin software before installing a new router- as the only thing it does is control the Belkin router and if that router isn't installed - the Belkin router isn't going to do anything. Just curious about that.
You don't need an install disk anymore. its not quite "plug and play" but its pretty close.
You'd follow a pretty simple install guide from the support site. pretty darned easy.
In terms of the wifi, most routers now days have a wifi on/off button on them. For netgears, you push and hold it for 2 seconds.
that way you wouldn't have to leave for the library as you could turn it on when you needed it.
In terms of her fear or wifi, that's not something I can argue as you can't convince people of things they don't want to hear. phones/tablets/etc all have wifi built in and are searching for signals or actively sending them out so she's bathed it radiation regardless. Add in cellular radiation and there's plenty of exposure.
4 Replies
You don't need an install disk anymore. its not quite "plug and play" but its pretty close.
You'd follow a pretty simple install guide from the support site. pretty darned easy.
In terms of the wifi, most routers now days have a wifi on/off button on them. For netgears, you push and hold it for 2 seconds.
that way you wouldn't have to leave for the library as you could turn it on when you needed it.
In terms of her fear or wifi, that's not something I can argue as you can't convince people of things they don't want to hear. phones/tablets/etc all have wifi built in and are searching for signals or actively sending them out so she's bathed it radiation regardless. Add in cellular radiation and there's plenty of exposure.
plemans,
Thanks for your comment- but I'm still in a daze over this- probably over thinking it. Here's the problem. Reading the company web site I see that installation is done with an app. The problem is that I don't have a smart phone- only a cheap flip phone. I do have an Ipad which I seldom use. Can't I simply do the installation from my Dell desktop PC? As I noted before my wife wants me to use Ethernet so if I have the PC connected to the router that way, I should think this would work? But can I download the installation software to work on a PC?
You can use a pc hardwired in. I do it all the time.
You don't need to download anything though.
You'll just connect to it using the browser and follow the install prompts.
at one point there'll be a page that recommend using the app for setup but if you scroll down on the page, there's a link you click on to continue using the browser.