Changing the default SSID is a recommended practice for improving the security of wireless home networks. When doing this, the network name of all wireless computers must be set to match. The exact procedure to change an SSID, however, depend on the computer's operating system and software configuration. Follow along on our message board as we discuss this procedure (and what happens when it is not done successfully).
→ Discuss - Changing an SSID on Windows Vista
→ See also - Wireless Home Network Security Tips

Recently I've been looking at linking a DirecTV digital video recorder (DVR) to my home network so that my family can watch some satellite television programs from our home computers. Part of the DirecTV networking solution is DIRECTV2PC - a free software application that you install on a PC to play back the video stream.

DirecTV actually provides you two downloads to help with setting up a PC for TV viewing. The DirecTV2PC Playback Advisor is a small utility that tests a PC's processing speed, graphics, memory, and network. Run this first to ensure the computer hardware can support video streaming. Then install DIRECTV2PC itself. This application assumes you already have your DVR connected to your home network. When you run the application, it automatically finds the DVR over the LAN and starts a video session.

Unfortunately, DIRECTV2PC only works on Microsoft Windows computers.

→ See also - How to Connect a PC to a Television

Although McDonalds' own Web site still doesn't mention it, the chain plans to make Wi-Fi free in its restaurants starting in January 2010, according to the Wall Street Journal. McDonald's started providing Wi-Fi service in the first few restaurants back in 2003, charging USD $4.95 per two-hour session. Since then the service has expanded to more than 10,000 restaurants, and the fee has reduced to $2.95. Some McDonalds' actually offer free Wi-Fi to customers already via temporary coupons. The change in January makes this service free automatically at all U.S. locations.

The change isn't too surprising given the continuing business trend to offer free public Wi-Fi as an enticement to visit retail stores. I'm curious, though: How many households that live near a McDonald's will try to piggyback on the free Internet access?

→ See also - Free Wi-Fi (Not Quite) Everywhere For the Holidays

Using Wi-Fi at McDonald's in 2003 - Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images

From CJS - "There are several computers in our home all on the same network. How do I stop all the other computers from seeing my computer? I don't want the kids or guests accessing my computer from the other computers if I should forget to turn it off." We have a few answers on our Message Board, but you should post your own suggestions there also.
→ Discuss - How to Avoid Being Seen on a Home Network