E-connections

April 2011

We hope you enjoy this issue of E-Connections - where you will learn more about the Internet, your computer, or other ways to connect to the world. We know you have options and we thank you for choosing us.

Wireless Connection
Homes now have multiple computers. So wireless routers are gaining in popularity.

You do not have to have a wireless Internet provider to enjoy being wireless. You just need a wireless router (one-time purchase) hooked up to your WesTel Systems High-speed Internet to enjoy wireless. You can purchase a Linksys router from WesTel Systems.  Installation can be done by our technicians or yourself.

Wireless routers are also convenient when your Internet connection is in a room or floor of your house and when your computer is in another area. You may also hook up printers wirelessly.

 
Security Issues
The Today Show recently aired a news segment about illegal items being distributed on an innocent man's computer. Watch the video here.

Wireless comes with security worries. If your network is unprotected, your information is open for neighbors and passerbys to hack into it.

Many dishonest people already know this. They'll drive through neighborhoods searching for stray signals with radio equipment. Not only can they borrow your Internet connection, they could access your networked computers and files. Hackers search for people who use the default factory settings. Those settings usually include low or no security. You should protect your computer by password protecting your wireless router. 

So if you have an open wireless connection, people can access the files on your computer or get you in trouble with what they do with your Internet connection. What if the person "borrowing" your signal downloads movies illegally? The motion picture industry may be knocking on your door. They won't care if you are the one who did it.  All they will care about is your connection is where it happened.  You could be jailed or be fined thousands of dollars.  There are a lot more things people can do with your Internet connection that could get you in trouble with the law.
 
Get help from WesTel  We have instructions on how to do that here on our website. If you need additional help, call us for FREE assistance in securing your wireless router. 
www.westelsystems.com/securewireless