WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) is sometimes used, but is easily hacked by those in the know i.e. it is unsafe.
You probably don't
really want to know what TKIP is, but if you do -
read this!
WPA (Wifi Protected Access) is a more secure method of using a wireless connection but this too can be hacked unless you use a long 'key'.
PSK = Pre-Shared Key. You program that into the router and all the computers that are going to share the connection
I've just read about WPA. Apparently the key should be at least 20 characters long and preferably 33 or more. It is best not to use common words in the phrase because hackers look for those first. Ideally, you'd use a long key made up of semi-random alphanumeric characters. I'd better change mine then!
I set up a wireless router for my ex on TalkTalk and that brings me to another point... The router kept forgetting its settings every time it was powered down. That led to almost daily support phonecalls - "The internet has died again!" - aargh! There is a setup page to go to to save all settings before switching the router off. I thought the
apply button would do that. Nope! It applied the settings, but only for that session. The
save function puts the settings into non-volatile memory and you need to remember to do that. Unless you like speaking to your ex of course...