Um, okay. Is there anybody else who sees a contradiction here? I'm thinking of getting a printer with a wireless connection for the house, and I'm totally new to networking. Doing a little research before I start belting out questions.
Like you said...you're new to networking!
The SSID is the name of your network (wireless or wired). So let's say the name or SSID of your home network is "Fred". If "SSID Broadcast" is enabled...and you're using a wireless router...then everyone within the router's range will be able to see your wireless network's name "Fred". If you have a password setup for "Fred"...they cannot access your network.
If you choose to disable "SSID broadcast"...then your wireless router will not broadcast your network's name (Fred).
By not broadcasting your network's SSID (Fred)...this (in some small way) can help to enhance the security of your network...since folks can't even see your networks name. The downside to this is...you then have to manually enter your networks name (and password) each time you sign onto your network.
Is there a contradiction in the info you quoted...maybe...maybe not. It seems more of an opinion to me...rather than a fact. I'm really not sure why the person that posted that said,
"It’s highly recommended that you do not disable SSID broadcast."...other than if you forget your networks name you won't be able to log into it.
HTH,
- Nick