While with XP then Vista I used an app called Network Magic, which did a good job placing all my home wireless network info on one single and easy to understand spot. I could even (kind of) know if there were any intruders trying to steal my precious bandwidth.Now I have Windows 7 all over my small home network:- 2 notebooks with 7 Home Basic 32-bit (wife and daughter)- 1 notebook with 7 Home Premium 32-bit (me)- 1 desktop PC with 7 Pro 64-bitWill 7 alone take care of my networking needs or will I have to use third party apps like Network Magic? And what about security, if I keep 7 alone to handle this, will I be safe?

Hi,Are you using a wireless router to create the wireless network?If so, the management should be performed in the router settings. You can use Internet Explorer to access the router with \\<routerIP>. The IP can be found on manual of the router.Generally router will provide several ways to help protect the wireless, such as hide the signal (It will not be found by wireless device so only people who know it exists can use the SSID to connect), only allow specific MAC address to access (so other computers cannot connect to your wireless network even it is found), setup a password etc.Also it will show the devices which connected to it, so it is easily to find if there is an unknown device connected.

Oops, sorry, Shaon, I forgot to mention that... My home network has:a) One desktop PC cable-connected to the internet and to a wireless router, as you saidb) Three notebooks connected wirelesslyI remember that when I was setting the network on one of these newly updated systems somewhere I read I was using WEP, which is reputed insecure... I'm far from an expert on all that, so I ask you... better still, I beg you to help me with some clear steps to set it all up... or point me some "idiot-proof" tutorial on the Web... TIA!

Setup is within your router it is the routers website / forum you go for this.Hints are use WPA2 or aboveuse a STRONG passwordDo not give out your passphase to anyone else.http://www.practicallynetworked.com/support/wireless_secure.htmGoogle is your friend

Hi Paultx,I'll try to explain your status. If the Desktop cable connected to the router, and other notebooks connected wirelessly, that means all the computers are connected to the router -- you can consider the wireless network are use wireless instead of a cable, to help you connect to the router. So actually all the computers are still connected to the same router, and the router connect to internet and help sharing the connection to all these computers.So our problem is how to provent others connect your wirelss router. You mentioned that a WEP is set for the router. It can help provent most such issue - crack a WEP is not so easy to do so not everyone will try to crack your password. Also you can try a WPA2 password (if the router support). It can be found in setup page of your router. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wi-Fi_Protected_AccessIt is a little difficult to provide detailed steps to config your router as the setup pages are different for each kind of router. But the settings I mentioned in my previous reply should be found in most router - just in different place.Please refer this page. It should help you find some related settings:http://compnetworking.about.com/cs/wirelessproducts/qt/macaddress.htm

Here's the info I forgot to post: D-Link AirPlus™ G DI-524 Wireless Router.http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=316It has written on its box: WEP encryption and WPA supportI went to its page at D-Link's site and found: This product has been discontinued as of January 01, 2009:(Security specs on product page:• 802.1X • 64-, 128-bit WEP • WPA — Wi-Fi Protected Access (WEP with TKIP, MIC, IV Expansion, Shared Key Authentication)These parentheses: Archaic Aramaic to me!:)

That is just stating what it supports, by default it not enabled, YOU must enable it and then the same on the PC's...BUT as you are asking these questions your best bet is get someone who has the skillsto do this for you.