Need wireless set up for PC and laptop..please advise

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Need a wireless set up for desktop pc and a laptop. Haven't really got a clue what I need to purchase. Not looking to spend a fortune.

Donnie

We wouldn't know either, since we have no idea which equipment you are using.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

Donnie wrote: »

We wouldn't know either, since we have no idea which equipment you are using.

Hmm fair enough. Wouldn't have thought it was that important.

The pc and laptop are for my sister and nephew. All I know is they both run on Windows XP. I've just been asked to check things out.

Donnie

For instance, if the laptop has a built in wireless card, they won't need to buy one.
If not, does it have a PCI Express card slot or a PCMCIA slot?

PC, wired or wireless? If wireless, PCI card or USB adaptor?
Where will the items be situated in relation to the Wireless Router.....?

If you have no existing equipment , expect to pay an average of £50.

the_devil_made_me_do_it

yeah from what I've seen it's £50 +. Just not sure what make ect to buy.

I believe the laptop does have a wireless card.

jembie

I have Virgin broadband and lots of fuss was made about having to spend out on a Belkin or a Netgear router but I shopped around and got this for £18 off of Amazon. It took me about half an hour to set up as the laptop already has wireless built in. It works perfectly all over the house and also works great with the PSP and DS and my son's Wii.

Edited just to say that it didn't come with the network (R45) cable but I paid £1 for one at a local shop.

Donnie

jembie wrote: »

I have Virgin broadband and lots of fuss was made about having to spend out on a Belkin or a Netgear router but I shopped around and got this for £18 off of Amazon. It took me about half an hour to set up as the laptop already has wireless built in. It works perfectly all over the house and also works great with the PSP and DS and my son's Wii.

Edited just to say that it didn't come with the network (R45) cable but I paid £1 for one at a local shop.

That is a Cable router, as opposed to an ADSL modem wireless router.

wbafanclub12

If your BB comes through cable e.g virgin you need a dsl router. If it comes through your telephone line, e.g aol or bt you need an adsl. I personally have used loads of routers but I am settled on the netgear WGR614v6 at the moment. Never have problems and gives good speed. That is dsl. It came with a wireless network card as well which is a bonus. But it is all down to personal preference. Other people would not touch netgear if it was the last on the planet. The secret to having a good router I believe after lots of failed attempts is to make sure you get it set up correctly, which if you have limited knowledge might not be too easy, particuarly if you are using multiple stations(ip addresses)

the_devil_made_me_do_it

yes she has virgin broadband. Can't see her changing to another provider.

I'll certainly let her know the advice received so far

jembie

OK sorry I should have said it is Virgin Cable broadband

BexTech

You'll need a cable router if you are on Virgin Media CABLE broadband.

Often called cable / dsl router.

The confusing part for some is the dsl (Digital subscriber line)tag on the router.

ADSL and VDSL are two variants of DSL.

The difference with the routers you see advertised as cable/dsl routers are they don't have an ADSL modem in them (nor cable modem), where as ADSL routers are in fact an ASDL modem / router.

That means with a cable/dsl router you need a modem with an Ethernet connection be it ADSL or cable.

Cable already supply you with a cable modem that has Ethernet connection, so that part is sorted. You just need to buy a cable router.

Belkin were known for problematic products, though no product is 100% without an issue now and then.

VirginMedia themselves sell routers, you might be able to blag a free one out of them, like I did and a couple of friends did. Though I got mine as part of their wireless trial (just had to answer a few questions, trial now closed) friends just had to upgrade to 4Mbit or higher or remain on 4Mbit or higher and agree to stay for another 12 months to get the free router.

http://accessories.virginmedia.com/webstore/search.aspx?CatId=14&GroupRelationSelected=340202

They sell both ADSL Modem/Routers and cable routers, so you need to select the correct one.

VirginMedia also offer support on routers purchased from themselves, if you purchase elsewhere if you are having difficulties then you have to find your own support, can be done in the selfhelp virginmedia newsgroups.

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/
http://www.broadbandstuff.co.uk/index.php?cPath=140&osCsid=45555a7e370f5fa73a468bb705055179
www.ebuyer.co.uk
www.dabs.co.uk
www.pcworld.co.uk
www.amazon.co.uk
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/DIGIDAVE-BROADBAND-STORE

Are a few places to find routers.