Computer Networking can be a very confusing topic for the average user. I'm pretty geeky, and some of the finer points of this topic still escape me (so consider that a warning!), but I know enough to get around, and to set things up and keep things going most of the time.
This section is an introduction... mostly (for now) with links to outside references and information.
I'm mostly about being able to enjoy all the great things that Computers and the Internet have to offer... (that, quite simply, is my reason for this web, and wanting to help folks out). Unfortunately, while these can be great things to be able to use, they also have their pitfalls.
Safety and Security is a big deal for me, and from the moment you introduce files to your computer from an outside source (such as with an optical disk (CD, DVD, etc.), or with a "Flash Drive", you begin to lessen your computer's safety and security. Once you get connected to a network, your S&S factor deteriorates even more. And when you start connecting many Computer Networks together, look out, the potential for trouble grows exponentially!
The Internet is the ultimate network! It is a WAN, or "Wide Area Network". It is a Global system of millions of computer networks connected together. Safety and Security? OMG!!! In this situation it is nothing short of a nightmare really. Still...
There are several things going for all of us "average users" when it comes to using the Internet:
There are a lot of smart people out there who have our best interests at heart, and are working really hard to make the Internet a safe place to visit.
There is so much going on, and there are so many people on-line, that statistically, the odds of your getting burned is fairly slim... especially if you follow a few basic rules, and have a basic understanding of how things work.
A Wired LAN is generally more stable and more secure.
WiFi offers a lot of convenience.
Transfer rate differences between Wired and WiFi can be very minimal, depending on the equipment, and how they are configured. WiFi can offer some really good bandwidth though, certainly enough for seamless A/V (audio and video) streaming, etc.
How to Configure a Router to use DHCP ... Wiki How
Router vs. Switch (or Hub) ... <G-Search>
The major difference between a Router and a Switch (or Hub) is that a Router divides the bandwidth between each port, while a Switch shares the bandwidth with each port.
A Few Quick Router Notes:
Multiple Routers
You can string several routers together... BUT You Can Have Only ONE "DHCP Server"!
Try enabling the DHCP Server on the router connected to your ISP (WAN) point, which is typically the Modem supplied by your "Internet Service Provider".
Disable the DHCP Server option on all the routers beyond that.
Be careful while configuring routers that are daisy chained together. You need to be sure that you are logged into the correct router. A bulletproof way to configure a router is to disconnect the router from the network, and connect it directly (via a LAN Cable) to a PC for the interface.
Configuring a router via WiFi is at best a bad idea. Most instructions will say to never do this.
i cannot emphasize strongly enough how important it is to be able to "Free Your Mind" when learning about Computers, and how to use the Internet. There are many basic fundamental principals to the whole process, that will allow you to become more proficient and Independent while using a computer and a network. As you get a firm understanding of each concept, they will build on each other until one day the "light-bulb" will truly come on, and continue to burn bright for you.
:-)