Two security-related questions for wireless

[J. Erik Hemdal]

Hi Matthew:

> 
> Cool.  Can FC configure itself when it encounters such a 
> network?  Is there a telltale sign that the public network 
> I'm attached to is encrypted?

There's no telltale sign that I know of.  But if you know that the network
uses encryption and you know that the access point will deliver the key, and
you know to check the box for "key is provided for me automatically", then
it all falls into place.

I found this out when configuring WEP for a friend of mine.  While testing,
I asked for an automatic key and it all started to work.  I was irritated.

On this access point, I turned it off by disabling what they called "gaming
mode", after some trial and error.  My friend wanted to secure the network.

> 
> I've had no problem with WinXP and 128-bit keys.
> 

I'd like to know how you did that, because I've had three XP systems fail to
connect with 128 bit encryption.  If you have advice, I'd appreciate a note
(maybe off list, if you wouldn't mind).  If I'm doing something wrong, I
can't see what it is.

Erik