coldhearted scientist وداد

Now I am typing on an unsecured wireless network inside my house. I do not know how to secure it or why it is working.

Earlier today I bought a wireless router. Its installation and configuration wizard did not permit me to install and configure it. I phoned technical support in India who said the router was defective and I should exchange it.

I exchanged it and still had the same problem. I phoned technical support in a different part of India. Now this computer did not recognize the command “itconfig.” Technical support said I should find out what was wrong with my OS and then call them back.

Windows had a help topic about wireless routers. It said one could not configure them if one had Windows Live OneCare, which I, in my weakness, had. So I uninstalled it and suddenly, without further ado, the router started working. Both this computer and my other one are now connected to it wirelessly.

This computer still does not recognize the command “itconfig.” It does not recognize “netconfig” either. I do not dare reinstall Windows Live OneCare. I do not know how to secure this network, and I do not understand why or how it is working.

I am also concerned that a piece of my OS may be missing. In the past one would have been able to call the manufacturer of one’s computer for an explanation, but now one must search through endless Internet forums and I quail. If I reinstall Windows from the disks, I will erase all the subsequent security patches and corrections.

I am secretly glad to be free of Windows Live OneCare, but it means I will probably have to build my own firewall or something. I will be happy if the router just keeps working, but I would like to know what to do about the integrity of my OS.

Yes, I know I should be in Linux, but it was Windows boxes that were on sale, so Windows is what I have. It is disabling, but not quite as much so as Macintosh.

Axé.