Desktop + Laptop web searching?

Happy_saver_4

Now we are computer 'simpletons'.

I want to buy a laptop for my OH that will search the web at the same time as my desktop. Apart from that she will only be using it to writes letters and play Freecell :eek:

Is there any special features the laptop must have to link to the web at the same time as the desktop? I don't want to waste money on a specification we don't need as I'd like to keep the cost down.

A spec of what we do need would be very helpful.

Cheers - Happy

Slayerx

You will need a router to enable you both to surf at the same time unless your on wireless internet then things will change.

Can you explain your internet setup at the moment?

Happy_saver_4

Slayerx wrote:

You will need a router to enable you both to surf at the same time unless your on wireless internet then things will change.

Can you explain your internet setup at the moment?

Hi Slayerex

My existing desktop (Dell dimension 3000) is linked via 'dial-up' to the ISP called Naims ( excellent company). They have offered me a deal to go broadband which I intend to use.

Now 'routers' already loses me. Is it an add on bit or built into the lap-top or do I need one on the desktop?

Slayerx

A router is just a way of connecting more than one computer to an internet connection.

All laptops now a days come with the basic requirments to get online very easily, with you going broadband your connection may change dependant on the broadband they offer.

Hillfly

The easiest option for you would probably to buy a 'modem router' once you have gone broadband. Here is a lyamns description.

The modem router is a small box that plugs into the phone line and mains. It connects to the internet and stays permanently connected (unless you switch it off). You can connect a number of computers (laptops/desktops) to the router. The router shares the internet connection to all the computers attached to it (it 'routes' the connections). Each machine will be connected to the broadband connection - there is no need to dial up from each machine.

There are a 2 ways to connect a computer to a router.
1)Using wires - An 'ethernet' cable plugs into the router at one and and your computer at the other. Check your desktop to see if it has an ethernet connection socket. Some older machines don't. If not you can get a socket added to the machine by buying an ethernet card to fit it.

2)Wireless - Some routers have a wireless facility. They broadcast a signal that computers can receive and use to connect to the broadband. Both laptops and desktops can connect wirelessly if fitted with the correct receiving device. Many laptops and pc's now come with this pre-installed. These devices use a 'standard' for connecting called 802.11. You will usually see 802.11b or 802.11g on devices. 802.11g is the faster of the 2 (many devices state 802.11b/g which means they can do both speeds).

You will need a fairly simple laptop to do what you require. You should get one for under £40 which would be fine. Make sure it has a wireless card 802.11g.


I hope this gives you some idea.
Have a look at https://www.howstuffworks.com if you want to get to understand it fully.

Happy_saver_4

Hillfly wrote:

You will need a fairly simple laptop to do what you require. You should get one for under £40 which would be fine.

Hi Hillfly,

Thanks for your helpful explanation etc.

I've looked at the sockets on my Dell 3000 tower and one is shown as ' network adapter connector' is that any good for connecting the two computers together for web searching?

But I guess you mean I could get one for under £400; although I would prefer it under £40

Thanks - Happy

-TangleFoot-

Basically, a router is a highly-specialised computer that sits between two networks (in this case, that of the computers in your household and those of the Internet) with the sole purpose of making sure that packets get to wherever they're supposed to be going.

If your ISP doesn't supply you with one when you 'go broadband', you'll need to purchase it yourself. You'll find several examples of the sort of thing you're likely to end up with on this page, under 'Combined ADSL Modem/Router/Wireless Access Point' and 'Combined ADSL Modem/Routers'.

The router will connect your computers to the outside world as outlined on these pages:

• How ADSL Works
• Beginners Guide: Connectors & Wiring Diagrams

Hillfly

Happy_saver wrote:

Hi Hillfly,

Thanks for your helpful explanation etc.

I've looked at the sockets on my Dell 3000 tower and one is shown as ' network adapter connector' is that any good for connecting the two computers together for web searching?

But I guess you mean I could get one for under £400; although I would prefer it under £40

Thanks - Happy

It's probably the right thing. Is it like a square telephone socket?

Happy_saver_4

Hillfly wrote:

It's probably the right thing. Is it like a square telephone socket?

Yes, it is.