Making desktop wireless

choccyface

my dad has bought a new desktop pc which isnt wireless and ordered bt broadband. I know he can connect it with wires. the bt thing can be wired or wireless.

if he buys a wireless USB adapator, such as http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6766647.htm
will he be able to simply plug it in and it pick up a signal from the bt box (i think mine did that, altho its a while ago now and can't remember).

Thanks,

-TangleFoot-

If by 'bt thing' you mean the BT Home Hub 2.0 you can do considerably better than that overpriced Belkin. I bought a couple of these recently and they work perfectly with the Hub.

You may have to install some software - usually supplied on disc - but that's about it. If you then follow the instructions here* you should be up and running in a matter of minutes.

*Look under "To manually add a wireless computer running..." for details.

Bikertov

It is very easy ...

I recently 'rebuilt' some old PC's with Win 2000 to use around the house, but have not finished all the fixed CAT5 wiring yet. So I just used an old Belkin USB wireless adaptor, installed the supplied software, found my router and I'm connected !

choccyface

thanks for the replies. Dad's computer is windows 7 - do I have to check that the adaptor is compatible? (i have a very basic knowledge of computers! sorry!!)

-TangleFoot-

If you get the one I suggested you can simply plug it in and go.

Bikertov

choccyface wrote: »

thanks for the replies. Dad's computer is windows 7 - do I have to check that the adaptor is compatible? (i have a very basic knowledge of computers! sorry!!)

The newer the version of Windows, the more likely it will 'know' about your adaptor.

Otherwise, go to the manufacturers site, look for the 'Support' section, and try to find the software 'driver' from there.

If you buy a new adaptor it should either be 'plug and play' to work straight away, or it will come with a disk thst you intall at the same time.

busenbust

choccyface wrote: »

thanks for the replies. Dad's computer is windows 7 - do I have to check that the adaptor is compatible? (i have a very basic knowledge of computers! sorry!!)

It should say 'Windows 7 compatible', or something of that ilk, on the box .