Can anybody help please? wireless question.

sparkly_gem

Hi everyone

I have been a reader of this site for a few months now and have to say how helpful you all are. I have found some great buys (aldi steam generator iron) and tips (white vinegar is my new best friend! ) and now need your help if you'd be so kind.

I have moved into a new flat with my boyfriend and we want to go on the net. I have just activated the BT landline as there was no reconnection fee. I have a wireless advent laptop that is about a year old and he has (a fairly old) desktop PC that isn't wireless, I also have a linksys wireless router. if I have broadband installed and connected the router to my BF's PC, would his PC need to be switched on for me to access the internet from my laptop? When I lived with my mum I connected the router to her PC downstairs but could only get the connection if her PC was on and sometimes that wasn't convenient as I'd be online late at night when she'd logged off and was tucked up in bed! I'm thinking maybe I set it up wrong or something but don't want to be in the same predicament now! bascially, i would like to be able to connect wirelessly, at any time, without having to switch on the BF's PC (he is only home at weekends). BTW, he says he wouldn't mind getting a wireless card for his desktop but that just confused me even more.

I'm really sorry for the long thread, if anybody isn't too bored to tears and could help me, I'd really appreciate it

Only have internet access at work at the mo so if I don't respond straight away, thats why.

Thank you

Gem

dagger_meerkat

What's the make of the router? A model number would help a lot with this.

BexTech

If it's an ADSL Modem/Router then as long as the modem/router is left switched on then you can access the internet via wireless whether the main PC is switched on or not, same way that if you use a VoIP phone or adaptor connected to the router you can make and receive calls without a PC being switched on.

fagun

Are you sure its a router, rather than a USB modem? Is the phone line plugged into the router rather the PC?

espresso

Basically the router connects to your ISP and it is normal to leave this switched on and always connected. Your boyfriends PC can connect to the router using an Ethernet cable and you can connect using wireless. Either or both can use the internet connection as and when required and they are independent of each other. If you have any problems, visit the Techie forum for help.

sparkly_gem

Thanks everyone for your help, I'm guessing then that it didn't work at my mums because she turned everything off at the mains, didn't think of this before, seems obvious now that if the router is on, the connection will be there... Thanks again