I want to cry...

CGG

...oh, please help (sigh, sob).

OH and I are dinosaurs when it comes to computers and basically we have decided to move away from TalkTalk and have signed up to move to BT Infinity Option 2. The changeover will be happening this Thursday morning.
But I have received an email from BT saying the computer needs to have certain minimum requirements. I have puddled my way through via Googling about, to find how to check the RAM and Processor things. These are well within the minimum requirements for the new BT package.
However, my head is ringing and I am stumped at the Wireless Ethernet 802.11n. What does this mean? I am currently on a wired router - what should I be looking for? What is it? How do I check it?
Also, the email says my computer should have a Gig E port. What on earth is it - is it just the ethernet socket on the back of the computer?
Sorry to seen dim, but I am now next to tears and hope someone reading this can help. Pl-ea-se...

rizla_king

CGG wrote: »

However, my head is ringing and I am stumped at the Wireless Ethernet 802.11n. What does this mean? I am currently on a wired router - what should I be looking for? What is it? How do I check it?

Are they laptops or normal computers? If so should have wireless, even if not up to the full speed the BT modem can do.

Looks like there are plenty of ports to connect via ethernet as you already are as well.

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/37130/~/what-is-the-bt-infinity-hub%3F

CGG wrote: »

Also, the email says my computer should have a Gig E port. What on earth is it - is it just the ethernet socket on the back of the computer?

Yes.

jaydeeuk1

Don't worry about it. The router you'll get comes with both wired (which you're currently using) and wireless connections. If you're happy to still connect by a cable, which imo is better than wireless if convenient then cable just plugs in to the back of your PC and the router as normal. The 802.11n is the speed of the wireless network, 'n' is probably the most common standard nowadays, so if you do decide to 'go wireless' in the future instead of a cable, you just need a wifi adapter for your PC.

As for gig E port - ignore this, even if you're isn't it will still work and be exactly the same speed for browsing.

macman

If your PC is next to your new router, carry on using ethernet, it's pointless to use wireless in such circumstances.
Even if you want to connect a wireless device that is only 'G' rather than 'N', it will still work fine, you just won't get the same (theoretical) top speeds.
If you look in Device Manager on your laptop and click on 'Network Adapters' it wil show the make/model and probably the class (G or N).

googler

It's a long time since I've heard 'puddling' as a verb.... That takes me back.

macman

My MIL uses it all the time, it's a Black Country thing...

Norman_Castle

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32322/~/what-does-the-gige-port-do-on-my-bt-home-hub-3%3F I doubt you need this. Its just available.

The new router should be capable of wireless but should also have wired connections similar to your current router. Adding wireless if wanted is cheap and easy.
You're not dim. Most computer literature needs a translator.

CGG

Thanks everyone.
(I went off to get a cup of tea and am relieved to get back here to find replies. OH leaves me to deal with the computer and I don't have a clue).

The computer is a desktop Acer Aspire x3810, about 3 years old if this makes any difference, not a laptop. It's the only one in the household - no need to ask why..!

HoofeHearted

CGG wrote: »

Thanks everyone.
(I went off to get a cup of tea and am relieved to get back here to find replies. OH leaves me to deal with the computer and I don't have a clue).

The computer is a desktop Acer Aspire x3810, about 3 years old if this makes any difference, not a laptop. It's the only one in the household - no need to ask why..!

According to the spec of your pc, it may have wifi on it. Says that 802.11b/g is an option.

macman

And it has gigabit ethernet. Just use that, as you don't need wireless.

Cisco001

Get a internet cat cable and connect between BT hub and PC