Says it all really. Never ventured into this alien world but as we now have a lappy I would like to enter the 20th century

I'm currently on this broadband thingy that attaches to the wall with a wire from the card modem whatsit on the desktop. With me so far technogeeks??? Basically I'm after a wireless router/card modem and usb stick for the lappy - is that right??? What's a decent one cost and any recommendations? Not too dear mind, I've got kids...

Cheers peeps

Al

OK. Also, please let us know when you're going to enter the 21st century with the rest of us!

EDIT: Whoops, forgot to post the advice part! Does your laptop not have integrated wi-fi? If no, I'd recommend steering clear of Netgear products, Linksys routers get a good write-up.

Purely as a matter of interest why?

I shall be entering the 21st century shortly - after I sell the horse and cart and the iron horse stops by my town...

Al

PS - I've still got an agp graphics card for goodness sake

Questions:

1. Do you have ADSL or Cable? ADSL comes through the usual BT socket with a filter to split the phone / ADSL signals. Cable comes in different kinds, but there's usually a box supplied by them which you can't replace. It's important, because cable and ADSL routers are different.

2. Does your PC have a network port?

3. Are you sure the laptop doesn't already have wireless? I've not seen a laptop for years that didn't. If so, no dongle needed.



Ditto.

I've been using Netgear products for 15 years, and I've always found them to be more reliable of various brands. I'm using a DG834G, and like many other people I can't really fault it. It's fast, reliable and the signal strength is far better than my old 3com.

I'd like to know too, as I'm in the market for a replacement and have been looking at the Netgear models.

I do have reservations, based on past history, about their ability to work seamlessly with other manufacturers kit, namely USB dongles. I have, however, set up numerous Netgear routers for friends and family and they work flawlessly with their own (usually supplied) dongles.

Because they seem to dislike working with non-Netgear products. In particular I had hell trying to get one to work with a Belkin wireless USB adapter, and absolute hell trying to get a Netgear router working with a Nintendo Wii. I've heard and read similar horror stories elsewhere.

Don't think I've ever used an adapter to connect to our WiFi here, but had no problem at all with the Wii and our DG834GT

Edd

I know which one I'd blame...

Never used a Wii, but I know from experience that the DS is not WiFi compliant and was a right pain to connect to my 3com. Not tried one on the Netgear, but everything else works great with it.

The biggest problems with compatibility are when you use non-standards compliant equipment, or a standard that isn't exactly standard like draft-n. 802.11g devices should all be perfectly fine, provided they all support the chosen encryption... which the DS didn't, amongst it's other quirks.

So do I, the Netgear, hands down.

Yeah, similar to my experiences, although I'm not fond of Belkin networking kit; also because of previous wasted afternoons, trying to get the bloody things to behave.

I'm considering Netgear because a recent problem has shaken my faith in DLink boxes which, up until then, I'd endorse without a second's consideration. I have, as previously mentioned, set up plenty of Netgear routers without incident, and maybe the problems are in the past.

I'm a big fan of Linksys gear too, although they tend to be a little pricey.

I may yet go for another DLink, if only because my dongles are DLink; and it has given me three years of good service.

Thanks for the info chaps... Now again please - s l o w l y - and in English. How much will a decent wireless router that I can connect the lappy and desktop to so the wife can order things from QVC whilst I'm on this bloody forum???

Al

I have ADSL through a filter.


Nope - but I do have a network card that I could bung into the slot thingies on the big flat board that the RAM plugs into...


Not a clue - don't have the lappy yet as my mate is configuring it. Will know more midweek.

Al

In that case, you need an ADSL wireless router. I'm very happy with my Netgear, as are many other people - if not everyone.

I have this one:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/52244

The router plugs into your filter, then a network lead to the network card in your PC. I think mine came with a lead, but they're not expensive if you want a longer one or just to make sure:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130628

You'll need to know your username and password for the ADSL account, and program them into the router.

Unless the laptop is quite old, it will probably have wireless. If it doesn't, then you can either use a USB or PC Card adapter. I'd wait until you have the laptop before deciding.

Note; I strongly advise turning on the WPA wireless security and setting a reasonably tough password, and also setting a router password. You don't want to go to gaol if your neighbours start using your Internet for illegal things. The laptop should ask for the password when it first connects, and then remember it. Once it's all working, it should be no hassle.