Internet Access on a Laptop

The_Saving_Man

I have a laptop, which I now will be using more frequently from home as a 2nd computer in my study. My PC at home is getting a bit long in the tooth and as such doesn't have a port to connect it to a router, wired or wireless (well not since I had to remove it to add some USB 2.0 ports (told you it was old), and a new sound card).

My question is what's the best way of accessing the internet on my laptop, without either switching the Broadband modem from my main pc to the laptop or buying another modem, as both methods mean that no one can access the Internet when the other computer is using the line. I have a GPRS wireless card for the laptop, but it's PAYG and therefore expensive to use apart from occasionally. The wireless contracts usually start at £25/month and have limited downloading, and that's also expensive seeing as i'm already paying for Broadband. I have free anytime, any network, minutes on my mobile, could they be used if I get a Bluetooth dongle?

Any help of any sort would be great. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I've seen threads that talk about accessing the web from a laptop when abroad, but I haven't seen one that specifically speaks about accessing whilst in this country. Apologies if there is one and I've missed it!!

lic

Having just done this today. I will tell you how I did it.
I'm not a computer wizz.
I bought a 3com wireless router from https://www.ebuyer.co.uk £51 (ish). It was delivered today. At 1130 by 1330 I was up and running.
I connected to router to my PC and them the problems began. I needed and failed to get a 'USD Ethernet port', as my computer did not not have the port. It cost £19.99 from an independent local shop. PCworld or on the net would have been cheaper, but needs must.
once i had done this and configured my router (the software does this for you), i plugged my USB wireless card into my laptop and the 2 were speaking.
So the proof is in the pudding I am on my laptop wireless now writing this to you.
Hope this helps, best of luck

Lic

hilary1

I only use my laptop now in front of the fire.


We bought a router from PC World I think (cheaper than £50 but dont forget to go through Quidco or somethig if you can.

Everything we needed was in with the router and we set our laptop up in about 45 mins. I think it took that long because we didnt know there was blue tooth button or something on the laptop we had to switch on to receive the signal.

try it yourself and if you cant do it you probably know some-one who knows some-one who can help you.

Oh yes - you dont actually have to switch on your computer to be able to use the laptop unless you want to print. Sorry I'm not really a computer boff.

ArsenalFC

If your current modem is not a wireless router, then u'll need to get one. GPRS isn't wireless internet modem. If your laptop doesn't already have wifi built in then u will also require a wifi card for it.

Look into ebuyer, amazon and pc world to see where u can get a wireless modem router with a wifi laptop card package cheapest. This setup will enable you to use the laptop (connected to internet) anywhere in your home, within range. Your PC doesn't have to be on for the laptop to access the net. U will not need to go with another broadband provider, your current broadband is absolutely fine without paying anything extra.

Maybe someone can point you to a value package, I've heard linksy or belkins do good value package. I have the old netgear wireless router DG834G 54mbs version. The netgear products tend to cost a little more.

ps: if your PC dont have a Lan port then u'll need to get a Lan card for it. The wireless router can be wired to the PC via that port. If not you can always get a USb wireless key for the PC.