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Because it comes with the right type of software and is practically useable right out of the box, a linksys router is a good first choice when it comes to networking. The communities online that have grown up around this type of router offer a great number of websites and videos to help new users. From configuring against hacks to increasing net speeds, one only needs access to the net to find out about the routers.

The Linksys company was originally started in the garage of a married couple in’88. It only took them six years to grow their company to having employed fifty-five other people. And shortly after, with the release of MS Windows ’95, Linksys took another big leap. Because Microsoft’s new operating system came with built-in networking capabilities, the linksys router became high in demand. It isn’t difficult to see why another larger company involved in networking, Cisco, worked very hard to acquire the business in 2003, when Linksys had a revenue of $500 million annually.

The purpose of a router is to connect computers so they can talk to each other. One of the benefits of a router is that many computers will have access to a single peripheral piece of machinery. Many computers will be able to use a single printer, copier, fax machine or connect to the internet, all through the router. Because of this connectivity, security becomes a very important issue. A linksys router can be properly configured to keep out relatively any hacker. With the right configuration, newer features can be added and the simple router can be turned into something much more valuable.

Routers typically include one input port for connecting to the internet, via a cable or wire, and four output ports. These output ports are how other computers get connected to the router. A person can connect a simple PC or desktop computer to the router, while also having other computers like laptops using the router to connect to the internet wirelessly. This means that the laptops are not actually physically attached to the router, but using signals to speak to it and thus connect to the net.

Setting up a router is fairly simple, if one just wants to connect to the internet. People are given an IP address or URL to put into their browser. Once they surf to that location, they are asked for a username and password. If the router hasn’t been previously configured, the default for each will be ‘admin’. Once someone is logged in, it’s advised that they change their password immediately. From this location, a person can configure other important options or features in their router.

Just like computers, routers used to be big and bulky and take up a lot of space, a far cry from the tiny convenient boxes they are now. Routers were always responsible for networks, deciding what portion of bandwidth went to each peripheral device or to each computer. This has been done in the past and even today is done via switches. As routers evolved, so too did their functions and what they could do or provide to a network.

When linking more than one computer to an external periphery, or when wanting to provide wireless connection to the internet, a router is the best way to go. A linksys router is even better, given the support in the computer community for the product. It’s ease of configuration, history and the safety the routers are known to provide make it a solid choice. Ready right out of the box, linksys routers are perfect for home networks, home offices or small businesses.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic products. If you want more information about varieties of Linksys router or are looking for a reputable computer retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com