My older computer has no ability to connect to the internet...what do I buy to enable it?

Question

This is a Toshiba 4300 notebook. It has no ability to connect but I heard that I could buy something that enables it...can someone tell me what that is?

Answer 1

If you have DSL you need to buy a Network Card. If you use dial-up (such as AOL) you'll need a modem card. They are called PCMCIA card or PC cards that connect in a slot on your laptop.

Note: If you have DSL and only one computer connected directly to your DSL modem you'll also need a router or hub that will allow you to connect both computers to your DSL at the same time.

Answer 2

Hehe. I agree. Either upgrade first... (which would end up costing about $400-$600) or just buy a newer computer. There are Dell laptops being advertised currently that cost about $600 and come with fast DSL Ethernet ports already built in.

You can use a network card or plug in the phone line directly to the computer to connect to the internet (you need to first sign up with an Internet Service Provider, or ISP- like PacBell, Telscape, AOL, etc.), but the fastest internet you can achieve would most likely be either 56K or slower... (it's pretty damn slow internet).

If your computer's network card or phone line ports are damaged or if you don't have any, altogether... the next suggestion would be to use a USB External Fax Line (or a USB-powered WiFi receiver... if you have another computer that uses Antenna-powered WiFi signals). If you don't have a USB port on the computer, then it's too old to connect to anything. It'll remain forever unnetworked, unless you spend a ton of money updating it; it's not worth it, though... because there are much better things out there for the same price.

If you need any help, either email me or ask another question. :-)

Answer 3

go to ebay.com a buy PCMCIA 56k modem card, make should you get one that comes with a driver disk for the MS windows (95, 98, ME, or XP) installed on your PC.

If you are planning to use DSL or Cable then you a PCMCIA 10/100 network card often called a NIC

either will plug into the card slot in the side of your notebook.

Answer 4

The best bet is to take it to a computer doctor to see what you have in it. Then, you can go from there. Most places will charge you a fee to just look at it. Try a computer store like Fryes, Best buy or Circuit City. Caution! The geek Squad charges a lot!

Answer 5

You need to get a network card. If you can go wireless you need to get either a usb based wireless card or a pcmcia wireless card for the laptop.

If you are going wired then a pcmcia network card or a usb network adapater. Most computer stores sell both types.

Answer 6

Do you know if it has PCMCIA slot? (Its a slot with a small door usually on the left/right side of computer). If yes you can get wireless adapter and get a wireless network point. This should do the trick. Usually you can get both for ~60$.

Answer 7

You should buy an external modem at a store such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, etc. Their associates can help you choose the best one.

Answer 8

adult adult males do! the single's that say they do no longer are in all hazard lieing! My boyfriend admitted to stalking my profile universal for 6 months previously he even spoke to me! additionally, I stay with 3 guy roommates and that they do it each of the time, sorting out the present photos, modern 'likes' and so on. no longer a lot of them might admit it however lol

Answer 9

If it is that old, are you sure it has enough memory and speed (RAM and ROM) to handle the Internet? I have had old computers that I attempted to use and they just weren't fast enough to do anything once I got them connected....may just need a new computer.

Answer 10

If it's that old, you'll have to buy it an external fax modem, those things that go BEEEbaaaaaBEbaBEbaoooooooooOOOOOOOWeeeeuweeu like in the old days