Wireless internet?
Fri Sep 09, 2005 10:59 pm
Okay, so I'm inheriting yet another computer (a good one this time:p), and I'm finally allowed to have internet in my room. The thing is, it'll have to be wireless because there isn't a phone line anywhere near my room. My mom said something about a wireless card, but I want to know what exactly you have to do to make a computer capable of wireless connection. The computer I'm getting is about 5 years old, running Win XP, and I'll have to look up the tech aspects if anyone needs them.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:01 am
Well, to hook up to a wireless connection, you'll need a wireless router (or something similar) to connect to. Most wireless routers come with ports in the back for wired computers too, so you won't have to make all the computers in your house wireless.
Then you'll need a wireless...attachment....to your computer. You can do the card option, which installs like any other sound/graphics card. It's probably the best choice to go with a card, but you can also use a USB (usually USB 2.0) hub kind of thing. You might want to check out the specs needed on whatever card/USB thing you get. The computer-side piece of equipment will (usually) come with a CD with a setup on it, so no worries there.
It's probably best to get matching brands for your computer side and router wireless parts, as they tend to go together better. Plus, the software will typically be able to automatically recognize your router if it's the same brand.
I'm personally using the Linksys company equipment. Unfortunately, I found out that the chipset they use isn't currently supported by Linux, because they're so protective about their hardware secrets, so I'll have to wait a while if I want to switch.
(For the record - A 5 year old computer is fine. I'm running Win98 on a piece of....junk, and it runs perfectly. XP is even better.)
Then you'll need a wireless...attachment....to your computer. You can do the card option, which installs like any other sound/graphics card. It's probably the best choice to go with a card, but you can also use a USB (usually USB 2.0) hub kind of thing. You might want to check out the specs needed on whatever card/USB thing you get. The computer-side piece of equipment will (usually) come with a CD with a setup on it, so no worries there.
It's probably best to get matching brands for your computer side and router wireless parts, as they tend to go together better. Plus, the software will typically be able to automatically recognize your router if it's the same brand.
I'm personally using the Linksys company equipment. Unfortunately, I found out that the chipset they use isn't currently supported by Linux, because they're so protective about their hardware secrets, so I'll have to wait a while if I want to switch.
(For the record - A 5 year old computer is fine. I'm running Win98 on a piece of....junk, and it runs perfectly. XP is even better.)
Tue Sep 13, 2005 12:18 pm
I use a belkin wireless card, but before that i was using a external thingy connected with USB, but either one works fine. My comp is about 5 years old too so I shoudln't worry about that. Wireless is wonderful, alot easier than wires.
Check when you buy it that you can take it back if the reception is terrible, your house may be constructed of steel or something!
Check when you buy it that you can take it back if the reception is terrible, your house may be constructed of steel or something!
Tue Oct 18, 2005 12:56 am
Just so you are aware - You can't have wireless internet on Dial up 
Fri Oct 21, 2005 5:30 pm
Freddy's right. You need a phone line for dial up. The only way you can go wireless is DSL/Cable.
If you have Verizon DSL in your area, they have a good deal going.
I think it's like $14.95. I don't know. We don't have Verizon in our area, and it's rare I come off of the networks. ^^'
If you have Verizon DSL in your area, they have a good deal going.
I think it's like $14.95. I don't know. We don't have Verizon in our area, and it's rare I come off of the networks. ^^'
Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:21 pm
freddyflinstone wrote:Just so you are aware - You can't have wireless internet on Dial up
Sure you can, just that you need another computer that the modem is connected to, then you have a connection to that computer via the wireless LAN. The first computer needs to share the dialup connection through the LAN. Although this leaves you with needing to have the first computer on everytime you want to connect, and I don't know if you can disconnect the dialup through the LAN.
It sucks, but it works