Wireless router advice please

Kestrel

23n1th wrote: »

The only problem with that is the router you'll be getting is going to be rubbish with custom firmware with very limited options.

hmmm, not really the kind of support I was looking for to be honest. I've got this router now so I'm going to have to work with it (for the shorterm at least) I'm a complete techno novice/phobe and this is a big thing for me to be doing and your post has just knocked what little confidence I had

macman

If you don't have the tech knowledge or confidence to enter the router settings manually, (which is not actually that tricky) then I suggest you use the install CD supplied. That way if you do get any problems VM tech support will (hopefully) be able to assist you.
It's not going to break your PC (the worst that can happen is that it doesn't connect first time). Get it set up on ethernet first and then you can worry about wireless later if you want it.

Kestrel

Thanks macman, my intention is to use the wireless router as a modem (as it has a modem built into it and my current modem is hanging by a thread) and I will continue to use it with with a cable (ethernet?) The router has a wireless on/off switch so I presume that I can use it in the "off" position when using just my pc and I will just use the wireless "on" switch when I want to connect the netbook or the wii to the internet? At some point in the next few weeks I intend to have a second pc connected via another cable to the router.

Could a complete techno novice liike myself set it up manually?

elsien

I did!
Sat and looked at the box for a day or two while I panicked. Tried the installation cd which didn't work. Phoned the helpline and the nice man on the end talked me through it. And hey presto here I am - and I didn't break anything.
(I'm not with virgin, but I'm guessing there's a helpline somewhere or the helpful people on here if for whatever reason it doesn't work.)
Go for it - your technical knowledge can't be any less than mine!
I've even managed to set up my mum's since - and her installation cd went straight through with no problems at all.

Kestrel

elsien wrote: »

Sat and looked at the box for a day or two while I panicked.

That's me right now lol!

Thanks for your post that has inspired me and I would be willing to give it a go but not sure where to start there isn't much in the way of instructions on (or in) the box. The VM helpline number is an expensive one to call so don't really want to have to go down that route if at all possible.

What a way to spend a Saturday night :eek:

macman

Kestrel wrote: »

Thanks macman, my intention is to use the wireless router as a modem (as it has a modem built into it and my current modem is hanging by a thread) and I will continue to use it with with a cable (ethernet?) The router has a wireless on/off switch so I presume that I can use it in the "off" position when using just my pc and I will just use the wireless "on" switch when I want to connect the netbook or the wii to the internet? At some point in the next few weeks I intend to have a second pc connected via another cable to the router.

Could a complete techno novice liike myself set it up manually?

Yes, it can be set up manually by anyone, but for ease it's better done using the CD if you are unsure.
If your existing cable modem is failing then normally that is supplied and fitted by VM, what they should have supplied you with is a router suitable for use on a cable service. Make and model?
Edit-just realised that you are on Virgin National (ADSL) rather than VM cable. So yes, that is correct, you should have been sent a wireless modem/router that will replace your existing modem. As long as you have an ethernet/network port on your PC, that will be fine.

Kestrel

I'm on an ADSL connection as there is no cable in my area.
I've been supplied with a netgear wireless-G modem router DG834G (v5)

elsien

Put the cd in and see what's on it. From memory, it gives a step by step guide as to what to do when.
Although if you're anything like me, in the morning when you're less frazzled might be a better time to have a go.

macman

Kestrel wrote: »

That's me right now lol!

Thanks for your post that has inspired me and I would be willing to give it a go but not sure where to start there isn't much in the way of instructions on (or in) the box. The VM helpline number is an expensive one to call so don't really want to have to go down that route if at all possible.

What a way to spend a Saturday night :eek:

Read any quick start guide supplied with the router.
Put CD in the drive.
Run the program and follow the instructions.
90% chance it will work fine.
10% chance you'll have to come back on here or call VM.
It's no harder than installing any other software, just make sure you have your u/name and p/word to hand, that's about all you need.

Kestrel

Just another quick question before I go and give it my best shot...the wires which have come with the router are all too short to work with how I have currently got everything set up, can I just remove my old modem and put the new router in it's place thus continuing to use the current wiring?