I know I'm asking a lot but......

GiJo

Hubby and I are not very techie minded. About 7 years ago we bought our first (and only) computer and paid somebody to connect everything up and install programmes, connect the printer, etc.

We have since bought a modem for broadband and again somebody had to sort it out for us as we were getting problems connecting it and didn't have the nous to be able to sort it out ourselves. That should give an idea of how clueless we are.

We want to reclaim some space and would like to go wireless and use a lap top (so getting rid of the bulky PC, desk and all the rest of the gubbins) but we have no idea where to start. Should we go to our local PC world and ask for their advise or is there a "Dummies" guide we could us? Any advice would be much appreciated.

TIA

MercilessKiller

Without being technical minded the hardest part is when something goes wrong, and troubleshooting it. Its easy for us to guide you on how to do it but if something goes wrong and your without internet, its risky.

Where abouts are you based? I'm sure there are many people that can offer you their skills without charging rogue prices

Currently does your "modem for broadband" allow you to connect multiple pc's to your internet? If so you have a router and that just needs to be replaced by a wireless router. Are you using ADSL or a Cable connection through NTL? If ADSL, you need a Wireless Broadband Modem Router, if NTL you need a Wireless Broadband Router (notice no modem internally required for that option).

Once done its rather easy to use and connect a laptop with build in wi-fi into. The PC will still be able to connect to it using a wire which is good news to make it a little easier to set up.

GiJo

Hi MercilessKiller - so many questions and I have so few answers

I don't think the modem allows for multiple PC's (how would I find out?)
That's about all I can answer at the moment (I did say we weren't techies ). I'll try and find out the answers, but thanks for replying.

Jem8472

One thing to think about with going wireless is how far is the router going to be from the computer using the internet.
I ask this because the further you get away the weaker the signal get and the slower the connection becomes. Also things like books seem to have a big effect on signal strength.

I would say rather than going into pc world try and find a decent local person who can do all the techie stuff? You might find there is someone on here that could offer their services. My dad does this sort of stuff for a living. So if you are anywhere near Norwich I am sure he could do it.

MercilessKiller

Ye definitely a nice cheap techie guy would do a good job! Let me know if you need someone in or around Leeds anyway.

But PC World will rip you off and do a bad job. Equally there are a LOT of rogues out there... If requested we techies could come up with some questions to test if they know their stuff or not

GiJo

Okey Dokey - we are using ADSL.

We live in the West Midlands, but thanks for the offers guys. I guess we really need to get a local man in.

Is this how things will pan out:

We buy a lap top
Man comes in and provides/connects a wireless broadband modem router
We get rid of monitor, tower, current modem
How do we connect laptop to a printer?
We are currently with Utility Warehouse for broadband and telephone. Will this change?

Thanks

Jem8472

GiJo wrote: »

Okey Dokey - we are using ADSL.

We live in the West Midlands, but thanks for the offers guys. I guess we really need to get a local man in.

Is this how things will pan out:

We buy a lap top
Man comes in and provides/connects a wireless broadband modem router
We get rid of monitor, tower, current modem
How do we connect laptop to a printer?
We are currently with Utility Warehouse for broadband and telephone. Will this change?

Thanks

Connecting the laptop to the printer will depend on the printer. If its a USB connection or if it needs a lpt port. But the local techie guy should be able to offer a solution.
the broadband supplier should not change because all you are doing is changing how you use the connection on your end.

GiJo

Cheers, Jeremy.

I actually don't think it's going to be as difficult as I first imagined. I tend to panic when it comes to changes with regard to computers as I know so little.

MercilessKiller

When it comes to doing computer things, a lot of it is logic and even if it goes wrong, nothings seriously damaged. So long as you've backed up your data and you're not throwing your hardware against the wall you should try and set it up yourself and enjoy it

Ensure there's Wireless Security (WPA) enabled, and you're fine!

GiJo

I think we'll have a go ourselves first, before we call the little man in. You never know, we might even enjoy the experience :rotfl:

Thanks for all the positive comments.

jhp

GiJo wrote: »

Okey Dokey - we are using ADSL.

We live in the West Midlands, but thanks for the offers guys. I guess we really need to get a local man in.

Is this how things will pan out:

We buy a lap top
Man comes in and provides/connects a wireless broadband modem router
We get rid of monitor, tower, current modem
How do we connect laptop to a printer?
We are currently with Utility Warehouse for broadband and telephone. Will this change?

Thanks

Dont be tempted by any new UW offer.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=588989&highlight=utility+warehouse