New user laptop

make_life_easier

My friend bought her first ever computer last week - a laptop so she can take it around with her. It sat there for a whole week as she hadn't a clue how to set it up (she thought the lithium battery was the front of a car radio :rotfl: :rotfl: )

She came round and when told me this I felt so sorry for her and went round to her house to have a look :T

The thing is I have'nt that much computer knowledge but I somehow got through the first stage of getting her onto the word proccessing and putting her name on the computer etc. ( it was all self explanitory and I just did what was prompted on screen)

I now need to find out how to get her on the net. I know we need a connection to her phone,but I haven't got a clue how what to do next. Can anyone explain very simply on what I have to do next?

She wants to go onto broadband so what should I advise her- what speed?-who to go with etc.

Any advise would greatly be appriciated :beer:

ArsenalFC

You will need an adsl wireless modem router. Brands like Netgear, belkin and linksy are good. This will enable the laptop to connect to the internet wirelessly anywhere in the house. Check various place for prices.

I would gathered the laptop has wireless built-in. Look on the spec sticky label to see if it say: '802.11b/g wireless LAN'. If it doesn't then it will need a wireless laptop card.

Regards to broadband, the average cost is £14.99 per month for 2mb connection. Madafish seem to be popular with members at the moment.

Once your friend have all the equipments and ordered broadband, post on here on how to set up the internet connection if you have trouble working it. Someone will be able to help you.

coolsteel

If you intend to use the laptop near the phone socket only, no need to buy a wireless router modem as your laptop is connected via a broadband modem (normally supplied free from your ISP provider). then from the modem a broadband cable plugs into a small broadband adapter (normally supplied free from your ISP provider)which stays in the wall phone socket. The wireless router will give you freedom to use the laptop anywhere in the house though as Arsenal has said.
Coolsteel :cool:

make_life_easier

Thanks Guys, I thought I had lost this thread???? but that is very useful info, she will have to order her broadband now so will make these suggestions to her. (she is on holiday for a few days at moment but this will give me some time to shop about for her.