Dongle? USB? Wireless...

blue_ashleigh

Hello,

I'm hoping someone could help me, please.

My Belkin USB thingy (not great with techincal things!) is, from what I can gather, breaking. My OHs USB thing works fine in my computer but whenever I try my Belkin (either on laptop or PC and in various places, not just at home with my router) it keeps breaking up.

What's the best USB thingy?

My mum keeps going on about dongles... what are they, and do they do the same thing as what my Belkin would do?

Thanks in advance

macman

Are you talking about a Belkin USB wireless adapter? All this does is link you wirelessly to your wireless router, which is connected to your ADSL broadband landline.
A dongle in this context is not the same thing, it's a mobile broadband device which connects straight to a mobile phone network. Usually used to give you broadband on the move, but can also be used at home if you have no landline. However they're expensive to run, and reception can be problematic
If you've got a working ADSL broadband line, you just need to get your USB adapter working, or replace it.

Strider590

Dongle was first used to describe USB bluetooth devices, but has since spread to be used for any USB device.

So, Dongle? USB wireless interface? same thing, i don't know which bright spark started calling them "Dongles", I suppose it's easier to remember.

Chap I used to work with was going on about his "dongle" one day, turned out to mean his USB memory stick.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dongle

blue_ashleigh

I shall replace my USB adapator thing.
Are there any to avoid or are they all pretty much of a muchness?

macman

blue_ashleigh wrote: »

I shall replace my USB adapator thing.
Are there any to avoid or are they all pretty much of a muchness?

I would get one that is the same brand as your wireless router. They should all work together regardless of that, but sometimes they do not seem to.
Have yout tried repositioning the existing one, or adding an extender cable to get it up higher? Or update the drivers (software) on it?

AceRider

It shouldn't matter to much what Wireless Adapter you get, however your choices will come with things such as brand/cost and connection.

For brand I would advise getting the same make as your router - though again it souldnt make any difference

For cost - well that's upto you, how much you are willing to pay/can afford for the adapter.

As for connection this will depend on how you wish to use the adapter. If its just for the laptop you can get either USB or PCMCIA (most laptops have these but MAKE SURE you check before buying).
However if you wish to use with a desktop (or laptop & desktop) then for simplicity I would advise getting a USB adapter.

Also when buying please make sure you are buying a Wireless Adapter. I have known people to go looking for wirelessa adapters and ended upwith bluetooth dongles simply becuase they didnt know the didfference.

Hope this helps you and hope your back to a stable connection soon

alanwjones

blue_ashleigh wrote: »

Hello,

I'm hoping someone could help me, please.

My Belkin USB thingy (not great with techincal things!) is, from what I can gather, breaking. My OHs USB thing works fine in my computer but whenever I try my Belkin (either on laptop or PC and in various places, not just at home with my router) it keeps breaking up.

What's the best USB thingy?

My mum keeps going on about dongles... what are they, and do they do the same thing as what my Belkin would do?

Thanks in advance

All Belkin products are covered by a lifetime guarantee, so if you phone them they will collect the faulty item and replace it for free
Claim form - https://www.belkin.com/support/returns/

Phone 0845 607 7787