Is my PC wireless compatible?

michelefauk

I hope this isnt too stupid a question! I need a new router for my broadband connection as we have upgraded speed with BT and my existing modem isnt able to keep up (apparently). I spoke to BT this morning about buying a new router from them, they asked if I wanted a wireless one, would I need to buy a wireless adaptor thing to plug in the PC as well as the wireless router to make it work? How do I know if my PC would be able to work wirelessly if you see what I mean? Sorry to sound so dense, I am not very tech minded (as you might have guessed!)

espresso

Well you have not given us any info about your PC have you! Look in Network Connections for a wireless adaptor. If they are your ISP, won't they provide the necessary equipment?

navig8r

If you have been with BT BB for more than a year Tel..0800 085 2819 and negotiate a new contract with a new router ..I have done this today and got 8 mbps..unlimited downloads and a new BT homehub and phone for £21 89 per month....dearer than some other providers I know! but at least they are reliable..

Dave

GreenNotM

michelefauk wrote:

I hope this isnt too stupid a question! No

I need a new router for my broadband connection as we have upgraded speed with BT and my existing modem isnt able to keep up (apparently). Have you moved from dial-up to broadband or to ADSL2? Who was your previous supplier ?
What problem is the current modem giving ?

I spoke to BT this morning about buying a new router from them, they asked if I wanted a wireless one, would I need to buy a wireless adaptor thing to plug in the PC as well as the wireless router to make it work? See other post you maybe able to get given a free one :money: . If you have a free "pci slot" or a place to put a usb key, where it will be knocked then yes you can fit a wireless adapter. Some wireless Modems/ADSL Router also have wired ports - so you could use wired networking too.

How do I know if my PC would be able to work wirelessly if you see what I mean? If you are running Window 95 or 98 or earlier you may have problems setting it up. Anything later then Windows 98SE including Linux amd MAC's will be set-up-able software-wise, you just need to ensure that you have hardware compatible with the router.

Sorry to sound so dense, I am not very tech minded (as you might have guessed!)

HTH What is the current modem you have make model ?

But I would look on the Internet forum here @ MSE for the freebies, you can get from ISP's :money:

michelefauk

Hi
I was previously with Tiscali using the free modem they had supplied (Speedtouch 330). In October last year I went back to BT, they didnt supply a modem so I just continued using the Speedtouch one we already had. We are having problems with the speed and BT have said that unless we get a newer more powerful router, we cant get any faster broadband. We are on the Option 1 Broadband Package with BT. The PC is about a year old, (Fujitsu Siemens) runs Windows XP and has lots of spare USB holes, is that what you mean? I told you I am not technically minded and just dont want to pay out for a wireless router (about £70 from BT)that will need other bits added on to it to make it work.

GreenNotM

Well Googling your speedtouch 330 the manufacrures site has this article http://www.speedtouch.co.uk/codepages/content3.asp?c=91
"
Adapting the SpeedTouch 330 driver settings for ADSL speeds above 4Mbit/s
"The standard driver settings are suitable for users who subscribe to a Broadband service up to 4Mbit/s. As most broadband services remain at below 2Mbit/s the following changes would NOT be required and would have NO impact on download speed. The changes are only of use to broadband services of above 4Mbit/s"

Have a read of the full article - it will provide you with a free upgrade route...

michelefauk

Thanks very much, will have a go with that later!