Wireless

ejb2004

Hi,

I know it sounds daft but is there a quick way of finding out if my desktop is wireless or not? It's about 4 years old! Thanks

456789

Check the back of it to see if their is an aerial sticking out of it

check device manager under network adapters to see if a wireless card is listed

check network connections to see if a wireless card is listed

ejb2004

Thanks for this - have now established that I have a Packard Bell Imedia 1408 desktop - can't see any aerial at back. Checked under device manager / network adaptors and the only two things listed are realtek RTL8139/810x Family Fast Ethernet NIC and USB Cable Modem 351000. Do you mind explaining if thsi helps or not?

Thanks again

tomsolomon

You need a wireless dongle....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Network-802-11g-Adaptor-Dongle/dp/B000O33HSK

Or a wireless NIC......

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Max-Value-Mbps-Wireless-Card/dp/B000TV3VEM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1237846296&sr=1-1

The two devices you have installed in device manager, are for putting plugs into. NIC stands for Network Interface Card. The ethernet device requires an RJ45 and the USB cable modem is what you are most likely connected to the internet at the moment with. Its the little box you have plugged into your cable socket. Chances are its probably not wireless capable, so you will have to buy a wireless access point.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Linksys-BEFW11S4-UK-Etherfast-Wireless-Access/dp/B00005ARK3

Hope this helps....:D

macman

OP, why don't you just ask Virgin to give you a wireless router if you are out of contract? Say you want to stay with them but because you now need a wireless set up you need this rather than the current cable set up. At worst they might charge you £20. Then just access it using a wireless USB adapter on your PC.
BTW why do you want to go wireless if you have your cable already at the PC? The connection will be slower and less reliable/secure by wireless.