We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Old computer...Is it likely to pick up WiFi ?

Options
TC1
TC1 Posts: 107 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
Hi,

I have purchased a new PC and a Belkin router. All connected up and working fine. The old comp is visually fine but very old (probably 10 -12 years).

Is it likely to be able to pick up the wi fi signal if I buy the relevant equipment.

Thanks

TC1
«13

Comments

  • mrochester
    mrochester Posts: 1,519 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    TC1 wrote: »
    Hi,

    I have purchased a new PC and a Belkin router. All connected up and working fine. The old comp is visually fine but very old (probably 10 -12 years).

    Is it likely to be able to pick up the wi fi signal if I buy the relevant equipment.

    Thanks

    TC1

    Assuming that the computer has USB2 and meets all of the other minimum requirements for a USB wifi dongle, there's no reason why it wouldn't work.
  • closed
    closed Posts: 10,886 Forumite
    edited 23 May 2011 at 9:34AM
    If it's pre xp it may not support wpa encryption if your router uses that

    You could always use it wired if it's going to be near the router
    !!
    > . !!!! ----> .
  • TC1
    TC1 Posts: 107 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    mrochester wrote: »
    Assuming that the computer has USB2 and meets all of the other minimum requirements for a USB wifi dongle, there's no reason why it wouldn't work.

    hi mrochester

    Don't think it has USB2. Is there anything I can do about that ??

    TC1
  • TC1
    TC1 Posts: 107 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    closed wrote: »
    If it's pre xp it may not support wpa encryption if your router uses that

    You could always use it wired if it's going to be near the router

    Hi closed,

    unfortunately it won't be near the router.

    It does have windows XP though

    TC1
  • closed
    closed Posts: 10,886 Forumite
    should be fine then, and doesn't need usb2

    if it's that old, it might be due a cleanup

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849
    !!
    > . !!!! ----> .
  • TC1
    TC1 Posts: 107 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    closed wrote: »
    should be fine then, and doesn't need usb2

    if it's that old, it might be due a cleanup

    https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2436849



    OK, so a wifi dongle is required...is that right ??

    TC1


    Thanks for the link, that looks very helpful
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    Assuming that you want to keep costs down, look here, here or here.
  • TC1
    TC1 Posts: 107 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Combo Breaker
    Assuming that you want to keep costs down, look here, here or here.

    Is that simple to install ? Bearing in mind i would describe myself as an IT amateur and that's being generous..:)

    TC1
  • stilltheone
    stilltheone Posts: 2,131 Forumite
    If your Belkin router complies with the Wireless 'N' standard, then consider this. You may get a little more range if the PC is far away from the router.

    I think they are easy. The USB adapter especially so, but I prefer to use the PCI cards.
  • mrochester
    mrochester Posts: 1,519 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    TC1 wrote: »
    Is that simple to install ? Bearing in mind i would describe myself as an IT amateur and that's being generous..:)

    TC1

    For simplicities sake I'd just get a USB dongle rather a PCI one as that'd require you to open up the computer. Depends how confident you feel!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.9K Life & Family
  • 257.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.