Installed Linksys USB wireless network adapter...

[pingjock]

...but now I have a problem. I have a desktop and a wireless router connected using an ethernet cable, my daugther connects her laptop using the wireless. I was given a "hand me down" desktop and a usb wireless adapter which was already installed so I found my network an connected using my key, no problem, I thought! The status shows a connection and the "hand down" is sending packets but there's no response from my network. The router has WPA enabled and it is set to "Both". The usb adapter is a "b" with WEP enabled. Any ideas about what the problem may be? I found an unsecured network and connected with no problem just to check out the adapter. By the way, I read how you hate usb, Dave.(LOL) The router is also a Linksys.

[so0ky]

The USB is configured for WEP, when your network is WPA. That's my guess.

[Dave@Bytes]

I agree with So0ky. Your older adapter might not have the capability to connect to WPA. Either you lower your router security (which I do not recommend) or you go out and get a new Wireless G USB adapter that supports WPA. They have various models. If you have a desktop, you might want to go with something like the above because you can move it around for better signal.

[so0ky]

Just so you know, never use WEP. The security guys at my work told me how to do it, and it literally takes at most five minutes to crack.

Also what is scary, is that even WPA2 is easy to crack now. I'm not going into the details, but it is the exact same strategy as WEP but with some twists. If you have a fairly decent computer with some basic knowledge with Linux, WPA2 can be cracked in no time. They said for sure under 20 minutes.

With that said, WPA2 is better than no security at all. Also, you might want to think about making it a little harder on the hackers end, to give you more time in figuring out that your network is being cracked. That really is the best thing you can do.

One method (if your wireless security is a big issue for you) is to enable MAC address filtering. This can also be easily cracked, but it will require the hacker to use up more time to get access to your network.

Really that the best you can do. I hope engineers release a better encryption algorythm soon.

[Dave@Bytes]

Mac filtering is a slippery slope. You probably only want to keep your neighbors out of your network, and unless they have a vendetta against you, WPA-2 will probably be fine.

So0ky, stop being paranoid

[so0ky]

You have a point my friend. But I insist it is very easy. Too easy.

[pingjock]

...and I think I'll get a new adapter. I got a suggestion from a friend to do a firmware update but I can't do that because I can't get the adapter setup program to run. It flashes on the screen for a second and then nothing. I don't post very often but I read as much as possible what other people post and have gotten some pretty good information so thanks for that, too. I tell everyone who will listen about this site. Like Arnold said in the Terminator "I'll be back".