Virgin Media...wireless?

cid_2

Hi all. I'm a bit of a dunce when it comes to laptops, and I was hoping someone could help with what I imagine is a very easy matter.

I am a Virgin Media customer, I get my broadband from them. The wife is getting a laptop, and wants to be able to use wireless Internet on it, even when the main PC is online. The PC's modem is external, a blue thing sitting on the top of the desktop unit blinking green lights at me.

Do I need a separate connection for the laptop, or just some extra hardware (a router, is it?) to run the laptop wirelessly? I can't figure out if this is going to be affordable or cost a bomb. I'm reluctant to call VM, seeing as how they used to be NTL and the very thought of calling them sends shivers down my spine.

I have tried to find other topics on this (eg http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=423816) but nothing really makes it clear. Sorry...

Thanks in advance for any help,
Chris.

espresso

From what you have said, you need a wireless router suitable for use with cable see here. The new laptop will most likely have wireless built in i.e. 802.11b/g to connect to the router and your other PC can connect using an Ethernet cable.

Strangled

I agree with 'espresso' . I use Virgin media also so I'm guessing you have a cable modem ? I use a 'Lynksys WRT54g' wireless router . Easy to set-up, and currently on offer for about £40 from PC World I think.

cid_2

Excellent, thanks both. I guess I'll just get a router, get the laptop (ensuring it has the necessary equipment to receive from the router) and hope it works!

marcellep

I had a pc then bought a new laptop, I have VM BB. I simply went to argos and bought the cheapest router and set it up.

Works great and speed is great too

Just a little advice- When setting up, (well depending on what router you get) it will ask for certain settings from your modem, if you just switch the modem off and back on the setting will automatically update and store. It taken me about 2hrs to work that out lol

BexTech

Make sure you enable encryption, otherwise anyone could use your internet.

Saeed

C'Mon BexTech My mother told me it's rude not to share :rolleyes:

BexTech wrote: »

Make sure you enable encryption, otherwise anyone could use your internet.

celyn90

Phone Virgin Media and ask them if they have any deals on wireless routers first! I did this three months ago and they sent me one free (I paid for it initally, forwarded the reciept and they credited the cash back to my phone account)! It's only entry level, but it saved me £50 and I'm non techy and got it set up okay.