Browser connection problems & questions

[too_much]

Hi all

Having some problems with my home connection.

Connected wirelessly, connection has been pretty much flawless for months and is configured correctly as far as I am aware.

Recently I've been getting problems though - the browser won't load any sites. It sometimes finds them and times them out, but then goes through spells of just not loading anything. It's not always both computers either - mine wasn't loading for the last 30mins but my gf's was; now it's the other way around.

Could this be someone else's involvement? I know nothing about wireless security, and mine is secured with a password for the SSID connection thing, then:

Network Authentication is "Open"
Data Encryption is "WEP" and there's a code made from 8 numbers.

Is this ok? Is there any easily available way to see if there's other people using my connection from another part of the building?

I've checked both computers for any mal/spyware or virii, and we both have up to date firewalls and AVG free with newest updates.

Any recommendations? MSN messenger hasn't been affected by it, bizarrely. We can chat on msn while the browser won't load anything.

One laptop is Vista, one is XP SP2.

Any advice welcome, thanks.

Matt

[Sterling_Aug]

WEP is usually 10 numbers, not 8.

Check for a firmware update for the wireless router. This worked for me.

[too_much]

Ah yeah sorry it is 10 not 8, my mistake.

Is WEP ok or should I be using WPA TKIP stuff? It's all greek to me tbh. Just don't want some spotty slipknot fan leeching off me.

I'll seek some firmware and get back to you, thanks :)

Matt

[Rocketmech]

It could be the modem or router having issues, so I would power cycle the network and see if that helps.
You do know that WEP is the lowest encryption to use. Someone could crack your passcode in 5 days or less. Your better off using WPA or better. The forum sticky (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=162273) should have plenty of info to improve your wireless security. As a minimum, I would set a username/password on the router, use WPA, hide your SSID, and use the MAC address filter in the router settings. Changing your passwords and codes every so often is another good measure. Using a good software firewall on both pc's is great protection also.

You might want to scan with Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware and Trendmicro's Housecall. See the AV sticky (http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161595).

[too_much]

Awesome, I'll get on it tomorrow. Thanks for the swift response and good advice.

Matt

[Midknyte]

I'm not sure I would keep using AVG. They've had some major issues recently.
http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/11/13/avg-update-cripples-windows-xp

WEP can be cracked in mere minutes. It is rubbish now.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9015559&source=rss_topic78

If possible use WPA2, then WPA-PSK AES, then WPA-PSK TKIP.

[Rocketmech]

WEP can be cracked in mere minutes. It is rubbish now.
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9015559&source=rss_topic78



In 60 sec. ...Wow! and possible from a cell phone even .... Amazing !:eek: