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The only 2 Wireless Homenetworking I recommend to others is either D-Link or Netgear.I personally am using a 54Mbps wireless WG111 USB adaptor on my PC plus 2 others in the house.In addition I use the Neatgear 54Mbps Wireless Card (WG511) for my older Dell laptop. Then right click on the little wireless pic in your tray, and select "status" then "properties". I just use the CD for the drivers, after insert the adaptor. Then make sure to check the box "let windows configure my wireless settings for me" and on the last tab check the box "automatically connect to this network when in range" After that click okay, and close. It does come with software for the drivers, AND comes with a NETGEAR PROGRAM that overides windows. I never use the program personally. Due to the nature of my work, I have used several types of these 54Mbps wireless cards. If there is more than 1 network in your area or in that box, remove them all, except yours.
Everytime you turn on your computer, it will automatically detect settings and connect you to your wireless internet network.It sounds like a lot, but it really is simple and will prevent internet drop off tremendously.I setup networks for a living and years ago, I used to pull my hair out sometimes, until I finally found out what works the best, regardless of number of networks, users or 64 and 128 encyrption. From there at the top box scroll down to TCP/IP and click properties and make sure "automatic is checked" The click close and click the middle tab. If the router is setup correctly and you install Neatgear wireless usb or card, you will be very happy. I found that as long as you have a Wireless Netgear Modem, it never seems to have any problems with 128bit encryption or 64bit (which is what I mostly use) The biggest reason for any Netgear adaptor 128 or 64 bit is 1st) If you use install and use the NETGEAR PROGRAM, then the best way to avoid internet drop off, is to enter you 64 or 128 bit encryption password on the first page of the progam IN THE MANUAL SLOT and not the 2 slots for above. I have used these adaptors for over a year and have not had to replace them, or have had any problem with their peformance.I have installed hundreds of these for customers. It may start to try and connect right then, or you can right click on the little wireless computer in tray and select "view wireless networks" and you will see your there, click connect and it will prompt you for you password, twice and thats it.
It also comes with the software updates for vista. Trust me I know.2nd) If you plug the adaptor in, and then insert the CD just for the drivers (when prompted) WITHOUT using Netgears program, then you have to set internet options to set LAN and check "automatic" and leave proxy settings alone. You don't have to type in the password any more. I have moved and used the same USB and CARD for my laptop with 3 dirrent networks, and all I did was set it up with the new password and it is working as of now.Hope this helps
But like I said previously, it works great. My only regret is that it has to stick out awkwardly from the USB port. Netgear product does just what it's advertised to do. It saved me from an expensive repair to my laptop when the built in wi-fi quit working unexpectedly. an accident waiting to happen if I drop the laptop or "wack" it accidentally against something while it is inserted into the port. I would like to see a more creative design in the future to minimize that from happening. a several hundred dollar mother board would have been necesssary to get "up and running again" for internet access. Instead Netgear's wireless adapter comes to the rescue for less than a tank of gasoline.
Got this refurbished so it didn't come with the software. I chose the one for users in North America since that is where I bought the adapter, even though I currently use it overseas. I got on a friend's computer and downloaded the software unto my Flash drive.The software can be obtained in www.netgear.com under the support tab. Direct link: http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2733Scroll down on the page to get to the yellow download options and click on the one you choose (either left click, or right click and choose "save link as"It is a big file and for me the best time was to download it late at night when internet traffic is less heavy but that really depends on your internet connections etc.There is an option for users in North America or Worldwide. I really don't know what the difference is.After installation the product worked great but I didn't want the Smart Wizard that pops up every time I rebooted so I went to the startup menu(Start - Run - Msconfig - Startup) and unchecked the box near wg111v3. At first I thaught that by doint it the adapter will not work, but it does, it works great and I'm getting an excellent to a very good signal.
It was strange because my signal in both the windows notifier and the Netgear program would show the signal as being strong and when it came back I would sometimes even get a notification that I was connected to the internet even though it never displayed that I had been disconnected. It gets too hot. So this thing worked great when it worked. 1. Both the new and old ones come with extension cables but the new one's cable has a nice looking stand to plug the adapter into while the Netgear one just hung off my desk with a recommendation in the instructions of taping it to the monitor. I don't know if my specific unit was defective or if this is a widespread problem but from reading the other reviews it seems that not everyone has problems with it but I am not the only one who did. When I am in the dark the flashes are bright enough to illuminate my desk are and is distracting2.
It runs a separate program to display connectivity as opposed to just using the Windows program. Problem is data would stop transferring often. I don't know what kind of long or short term performance issues this may or may not cause but it made me nervous that it will.3. Either way I replaced it for a different brand (Belkin) and had no more dropouts.Also I have some other nitpicks which aren't much but since many of these devices are pretty much the same (if they work properly) the nitpicks become why you would choose one brand over another and are further reasons why I like my replacement better. The blinking indicator light is too bright. So I have an extra program I don't need cluttering up my system.4. (Note: the new one is also much wider so if you are plugging it in directly without the extension cable it won't look better then).
ordered it never got emailed and never heard from seller, would never buy from him again
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