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.

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.

Started in 1988, Linksys was originally run out of the garage of a very enterprising couple. It took them only six years to turn their mom and pop company into a full blown organization with plenty of workers employed. And in the year 1995, Linksys took a crucial step forward with the release of Microsoft's Windows '95 OS. Because Windows '95 came with built-in networking capabilities, the linksys router was an ideal fit. In 2003, Cisco managed to acquire Linksys and now the company is called Linksys by Cisco.

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.

A router uses ports to connect to the internet and other computers and peripherals. Typically a router has one input port, and it's to this that the cable or wires for internet are connected. Computers enter the router via the output portals, of which there usually are four. However, a computer doesn't have to be connected to the router physically. When configured correctly, routers will let users connect to the internet wirelessly. This means that you can have one or two computers physically connected to a router, but also use say, a laptop to connect from a greater distance.

Some experts in routing systems advise against using the configuration wizard that comes with the linksys router. They suggest instead that people surf with their browser to a specific IP or URL web address. This will bring up a text box requesting they log in with a username and password. If the router has never been configured before and is brand new, the default username and password will be admin/admin. Once someone has logged in, they'll be able to do all their own configurations. They would of course want to change their password as soon as they enter the configuration process.

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.