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General discussion

Wi-Fi setup using Windows or Netgear Wizard?

Sep 11, 2005 11:03AM PDT

I have a home wireless network running winXP and using Netgear equipment. I have set it up using the Netgear Wizard bundled with the router and PCI cards, although the XP Wireless Setup Wizard seems to have its nose out of joint, and intervenes at times!
I therefore pose the question to you wireless experts, which is the better way to go: Windows, or the manufacturer's Wizard? That is: one OR the other.

Discussion is locked

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Win or Net
Sep 11, 2005 12:58PM PDT

I used the Netgear Wizard setup and found it worked fine. Setup used WPN824 for router and WPN111 USB for remote computer.

Note I set up the router using a wired computer before setting the other computer up wireless.

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Persnal Preference
Sep 11, 2005 8:54PM PDT

I like using the windows wizards and wireless zero for this reason alone:

Every wizard adds overhead to your computer. Too many proprietary programs at boot time and your computer gets gummed up - starts slow and has less onboard resources to work with, all which add up to poor performance.

I also find it easier to troubleshoot windows components. The Microsoft Knowledgebase (good or bad) has no equal.

If I can get away with just loading a driver - then so be it. Windows has enough built-n tools to do the rest.

Of course if you (like parents and in-laws)are a technophobe then go ahead and load your taskbar up with icons.