got a new laptop ordered-what do i need now?

whizzkid_3

hi,
i have just bought a new acer laptop and am keen to be prepared and ready to go as soon as it arrives. i already have a computer which is on orange broadband and uses a "speedtouch connection"box to get me connected.



do i just need a wireless usb adapter now and if so what do i need to know about it ?any specific kind i should be looking for or i am totally wrong in terms of what i actually need ?

the laptop has wireless LAN as a feature I believe (?)

thankyou in advance

ally

albertross_2

if it has wireless built in, you dont need a wireless adapter, just a wireless adsl router (is the speedtouch a router?)

whizzkid_3

i currently have a wired speedtouch router so i guess i need something else ?

motorguy

Yes, you will need a wireless router. My personal preference is the Netgear 834G...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-DG834G-54Mbps-Wireless-Firewall/dp/B0000TZ8Z8/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197302762&sr=8-1

Also, go to www.filehippo.com for the latest free antivirus, firewalls, openoffice etc.

whizzkid_3

thanks for that - do i need the usb apapter to go with it and is the wireless router going to service both my computer and laptop or just the laptop ?

sorry for being so lacking in computer expertise !

espresso

Dummies guide to wireless networking here.

motorguy

whizzkid wrote: »

thanks for that - do i need the usb apapter to go with it and is the wireless router going to service both my computer and laptop or just the laptop ?

sorry for being so lacking in computer expertise !

You will need a USB adapter for your PC. If you can install the software, undo two screws and local the slot to pop the card into, then an internal card is better...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-WG311-54Mbps-Wireless-Adapter/dp/B0000ATFBT/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197378123&sr=8-2

if not, heres the USB one

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Netgear-WG111-Wireless-54Mbps-Adapter/dp/B0002LHX8O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1197378186&sr=1-1

motorguy

OR, if your pc is beside where your router is going to be, then just use the network cable that comes with the router.

davetrousers

pgilc1 wrote: »

OR, if your pc is beside where your router is going to be, then just use the network cable that comes with the router.

I agree much cheaper, and more secure than a Wireless one/

motorguy

davetrousers wrote: »

I agree much cheaper, and more secure than a Wireless one/

and reliable!