The scoop on wireless home network

Q: I'd like to set up a wireless home network to connect two computers,
one in our den downstairs and the other in a bedroom upstairs. I want S5830 Galaxy Ace the PCs to be able to share a single printer and a DSL Internet line. I went shopping, but the options are bewildering. One guy told me I needed a router. Another said I needed an access point. Everyone says I need wireless adapters. What's the real story?
A: The real story is a tale of mystery and intrigue. Actually, it's just a case of the 802.11 wireless technology evolving so quickly that the industry has a hard time explaining it.
Let's start with a quick description of the various components involved. An access point is a piece of hardware that lets wireless devices connect to a wired network. It also can let them share information.
A router distributes information to multiple devices. Today, routers and access points often are combined into a single component. They're called wireless routers, gateways and base stations, but they all do the same thing.
There are a couple of ways to set up a network for sharing the Internet. You could do it using just adapter cards, which can be configured to talk to each other without an access point. But that method has its drawbacks.
The PC connected to your DSL line would have to be turned on for the other PC to be able to use the Internet. And the signal range of the adapters might not stretch from one floor of your home to the other.
The best bet for most home networks is to use a router-access point and an adapter for each PC. The router provides extra security, including a firewall, while little witch iPad leather case the access point provides enough range to connect PCs anywhere in your house.
ERASING DUPLICATIONS
Q: I use Microsoft Excel as a simple database. Over time, I know I have entered duplicate items, but I can't figure out a way to find and eliminate them. Can this be done?
A: Here's how: Open your spreadsheet/database, then go to the Data menu, point to Filter, then choose Advanced Filter. Click the icon with the red arrow to the right of List range, and use your mouse to select the range of data that you think contains duplicates.
Now close the List range box. In the Advanced Filter box, put a checkmark next to Unique records only, then click OK. The worksheet will then show only unduplicated records. Keep in mind that this is just a filter, so the underlying spreadsheet is unchanged until you save the new, filtered version.
By the way, to remove the filter, simply repeat the process and uncheck the option for unique records.
VARYING MODEM SPEEDS
Q: I use a dial-up modem for the Internet. When logging on, I sometimes get different speeds. One that I strive for is 115,200 kilobits per second, but many times it will be as low as 34,666. Why the difference?
A: I hate to burst your bubble, but you can strive for 115,200 all you want to no avail. That's the speed at which the modem connects to your computer, not the actual speed of your Internet connection.
With today's 56k modems, average speed should be in the mid 40s. If you're not getting that, try connecting to your Internet service provider via a different access number. If that doesn't fix things, you may Phone Cover have a problem with your phone line or a misconfigured modem.
UNDOING CAPITALIZATION
Q: I work with Microsoft Word on a daily basis composing contracts. Often I have to capitalize certain words, but I sometimes forget to turn the Caps Lock off before I realize I've typed more words in capital letters than I need to. Is there any way to uncapitalize without having to delete and retype words?
A: That's an easy one. Select the capitalized text, then go to the Format menu and choose Change Case. Check the Sentence case option, which should lower-case all but the first letters of sentences (you'll have to go back and capitalize proper names, acronyms, etc.). You can also use this procedure to put everything in upper case.
TIP OF THE WEEK
Here's an easy way to go back and forth among Web sites you've visited during an Internet session. Just click the Back button in Internet Explorer, and you'll see a list of all the sites you've visited. Click a site's name, and you're there.