Connect laptop?

omnipeta

My ISP is Virgin Broadband, just bought a new laptop, how do I connect to internet? I believe there is some code or something?
Regards, omnipeta.

penrhyn

Do you have a wireless router? If so you'll need your SSID and Passcode which may be on a label on the router.
Enable wireless on your laptop, find your network and enter the passcode.
If not just plug in an ethernet cable from the router to the laptop and you should be up and running.

robmar0se

Assuming you have a broadband router, you have two options.

1} you can connect via an ethernet cable (that probably came with the router originally, and plug into the laptop - thats pretty much all you need to do (assuming Windows 7) - in windows 7 it will ask you what type of network, just click on "home".

2) If you want to connect wirelessly, then first you need to ensure that your router is wireless enabled - if you don't know then find the model number and post back. I am no expert on Virgin, but generally, one recommends having a secure wireless connection between the router and the laptop, which requires a passphrase (like a password) to connect. What I don't know is whether your router is already setup for wireless connection, or whether it needs to be configured. If the former, then usually in the original packaging/documentation they would have included the details ( or maybe on the underside of the router?), an SSID (another name for your personal wireless network), and the passphrase. If not, it may be simpler to call Virgin and get them to walk you through it.

omnipeta

Thank you for the great info, numbers on 'CISCO 2100' modem are,
S/N 2269.......
or MAC 00252E......
Thank you.
PS My main reason for purchase is to use it for my work which requires me moving around a bit, do I need a dongle or something?

robmar0se

good news and bad news..........

bad news first! As far as I am aware the Cisco 2100 modem/router does not have a wireless capability. You could try calling Virgin and see if they will upgrade you. Or you could go out and buy a wireless access point and hook it up to the router to add this functionality. Then again, you could chuck the existing router in the bin, and buy yourself a new cable wireless router.

Good news: I don't know any new laptop that doesn't have wireless built-in, Have a look ar yr handbook - it should give you the rudimentary info.

Good luck with Virgin........