[zcaveman]

To jjdee: The SSCPID broadcast is set in the router itself. I have a NetGear Router. The SSCPID broadcast is under Advanced Wireless Settings. I had to uncheck "Enable SSCP Broadcast". It might be different in your router. You can either poke around in the router menus or go to the website and do some searches. There might be some Help in the router itself.

Hope this helps.

[jjdees]

Thanks for the info Z. I have a Linksys router. I'll look a little further and see if I can figure it out and if not, I'll give Linksys a call. They're pretty helpful.

[Bobbie2836]

Sometimes its best to just start with the manufacturer - they're all very helpful.
I've found that with Vista, particularly, its best to call them first.

Bobbie2836

[PierreLiz]

Here is a suggested path to secure your Linksys router...

If your router is a newer model, it has a button on the left side that you can push to
secure it. However, the best bet is to get into the router settings and set up the security
yourself. To do this,

Go to your web browser and erase the address you have.

Type 192.168.1.1

This will take you into your Linksys login screen.

It may require you to enter an ID and Password use Linksys for the ID and admin for the password

You are now at the Linksys configuration screen for your router.

Go to the Wireless Tab and then select Security.

First, you can change the SSID code to "hide it"

Now go to Security:

Select the WPA format, this will allow you to put in a "password" so anyone who is
going to access your network router will need that password.

Finally, you can set a password to login to the Linksys Router.

If you cannot get into your router configuration, there is a small hole in the back of the router, insert
a paperclip to "reset the router" to default and then try the steps outline above again.

There is a course offered on this subject at the LifeLong Learning College and the Computer Club has
presentations on this subject as well.

[F16 1UB]

Thanks comp455 & nyclicker. So if I'm sitting at Starbucks or Barnes & Nobles whose IP address shows up if there's 1/2 dozen others sitting around using their laptops? Can ya tell I'd never make an IT guru?

Steve

[zcaveman]

First of all see if Starbucks or Barnes and Noble have a connection sheet. If not, right click on your Wireless connection ICON and click on View Available Wireless Networks. Find the one in the place you are at and click on it.You should connect.

WARN ING: Be VERY careful as to what places you access on a public network. You never know who is lurking in the shadows and are gathering IDs and passwords. DO not access any financial or secure sites that someone could get to.

Nothing is as secure as your own secured wireless network.

[F16 1UB]

Good advice. Thanks Z-man

Steve