. If this is a new installation or new router, determine the default IP address that may be printed on a label affixed to the router or in the documentation. If you can't find the router's IP address anywhere, you can do a web search for the router model to see what the default address is. IP addresses are formatted as four groups of up to three digits, separated by periods. Commonly found "default" Local IP addresses for routers are 192.168.0.1, 192.168.1.1, 192.168.2.1, 10.0.0.1. Note that all the addresses in the follow ranges: 192.168.0.0 - 192.168.255.255, 172.16.0.0 - 172.31.255.255 & 10.0.0.0 - 10.255.255.255 have been set aside for exclusive use in a LAN; and one address in the range of any of them of them would be assigned to the connected router. Enter in the IP address of the router into the address bar and press Enter. Your browser will attempt to connect to the router's configuration menu. If your router came with an installation disc, you can run the configuration program from that instead. It will accomplish many of the same functions. In order to access the configuration page, you will need to be on the router's IP address and enter a valid username and password at the prompt. Most routers have a basic account set up that you will need to use to log on. This varies from model to model, but should be printed on the router or in the documentation. The most typical username is "admin". The most typical passwords are "admin" and "password". Many routers will only require a username and a blank password, and some allow you to leave all fields blank. If you can't figure out the correct IP address, your username or password, search for your router model online to see what the default login is. If it has been changed, press the Reset button on the back of the router for 10 (to 30+ seconds as dictated in the instructions for the router model) to restore factory defaults and try again. When you log in to your router, you will be taken to the router's main menu or status screen. There will be several options to choose from. The Internet section can usually be left at default settings, unless you received specific instructions from your internet service provider. The Wireless section will allow you to set up your wireless network. In the Wireless section, you should see a field labeled SSID or Name. Enter a unique name for your wireless network. This is what other devices will see when scanning for networks. Check the box to enable SSID broadcast. This will essentially "turn on" the wireless network so that it may be readily seen by anyone in range of the signal. *See the Tips section below for additional information on the SSID setting. Choose from the list of available security options. For the best security, choose WPA2-PSK as the encryption method. This is the most difficult security to crack, and will give you the most protection from hackers and intruders. Once you've chosen your security method, enter in a passphrase for the network. This should be a difficult password, with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use any passwords that could be easily deduced from your network name or from knowing you. Once you are finished naming and securing your wireless network, click the Apply or Save button. The changes will be applied to your router, which may take a few moments. Once the router has finished resetting, your wireless network will be enabled. Once you have your network configured, you should change the username and password that you use to access your router. This will help protect your router from unauthorized changes. You can change these from the Administration section of the router configuration menu. If you want to prevent devices that are connected to your network from accessing certain websites, you can use built-in blocking tools to restrict access. These can be found in the Security/Block section of the router. You can usually block by specific domain names, or by keywords.

Summary: Find the IP address of the router Open a web browser on the computer that is connected to the router. Enter your username and password. Open the Wireless Settings. Enter a name for your wireless network. Choose a security method. Create a passphrase. Save your settings. Change your router's username and password from the default. Block sites.

Most often, people resort to dying their grout because it's lost its previous luster and now appears brown and dingy. Rather than going back to the original hue, find a new color to cover up the wear and tear. Although it may sound strange, grout stains that are close in color to dirt are typically the most successful, because you won't have to worry about the grout becoming discolored again over time. Light hued grouts blend in and hide the shape of your tiles, while dark grout makes your tiles stand out and is very bold. When possible, look for grout stains that are also a sealant, so that you can skip the final step of sealing the grout. Get out your cleaning supplies and grab a little elbow grease, because before you can begin staining your grout you need to give it a thorough cleaning. Use a bleach-water scrub to kill any mold or mildew that might cause problems. Although it might be uncomfortable, use a damp sponge/scrubbing brush to clean your grout and tile, even if it is on the floor. The grout stain cannot be applied to damp grout, so wait 30 minutes or longer after cleaning to begin the application process. Some grout staining kits come with a small applicator brush, but if yours didn't, simply use a very small stiff-bristled brush for application. Dip the brush in the grout stain, and carefully paint it onto only the grout. The stain is permanent and cannot be removed from your tile after it dries, so be careful to paint in the lines and wipe off any stain from the tile. Depending on the look you're going for, you may need to add more than one coat of grout stain. If so, wait at least 24 hours for the first layer to dry, and then carefully paint on the second coat of stain. Again, be careful not to accidentally get any stain on the tiles as it is very difficult to remove. Some grouts are a combination of grout/sealant, but typically you'll have to apply a special oil-based sealant to finish up your grout. This is especially important for areas that come into frequent contact with water (such as in a bathroom or near a kitchen sink). Follow the directions that accompany your sealant of choice as you paint over the grout.
Summary: Choose a grout stain. Clean the tile and grout. Apply the grout stain. Add additional coats. Seal the grout.