I am hooking up two computers to one network and they are going to be sharing a DSL internet connection. I know you need a wireless router and a wireless adapter. I have been told that newer computers already have a network adapter. My computer is about 2 years old. Where would I find it? On the back, inside the CPU? I think I may have found it but not sure. There is a green phone jack at the bottom (back of CPU) that says LINE and it's connected to a card. Could that be it? If I already have the network adapter that means I don't need a wireless adapter, right? Thanks for all the help. :)
2007-01-21 08:54:05 · 5 answers · asked by perfectangel_7786 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
The CPU (central processing unit) is actually your processor, the chip that powers the system so that wouldn't have a network adapter built-in :) You actually are asking if it is built-in on your motherboard. It would be located on the back of the PC, on the left if you are facing the back. It does appear similar to a phone jack, only larger. The adapter uses CAT5 cables rather that standard phone cables (I think those are CAT3).
Your computer manual should tell you if the network adapter is built-in. Hopefully the drivers for the hardware are installed and it is ready to go. To check if you have an adapter installed -- built-in or otherwise -- and it is ready for use right-click on My Computer (an icon on your desktop or on your start menu) and select properties. Select the hardware tab and then Device Manager. In that list there will be an network adapter listing, click the plus sign and you should see the exact adapter you have (you can right-click on the adapter and select properties for more information).
For two computers you will need a wireless adapter for one but not the other if it is plugged directly into the router, for which the built-in network adapter should work fine. You will need to purchase a wireless adapter that is compatible with the router you choose. The router packaging should tell you; just pay close attention to the product serial numbers listed for the compatible adapters as there are different types of wireless signals.
I believe N is the latest in wireless connections, I'm currently using G. G is a good affordable option. The only reason to go with the latest technologies is if the computers will be really far apart and/or if there are a lot of obstacles (walls, ceilings, etc.) between the two computers. I have my computers in different rooms with a few walls in between and still have a solid connection (94 - 98%).
2007-01-21 09:31:11 · answer #1 · answered by mumbler 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're looking for a wireless adapter, you won't see it in the back of your machine. However, home DSL networks are often (usually) wired, using ethernet cables. The connector would be an RJ45 socket (it looks like the little squarish plug where you plug a telephone into the wall, but a little wider.) It would be on the back of the CPU, and there will probably be an indicator light beside it (though with no connection it won't be lighted.)
The one marked "Line" is probably a regular phone plug (RJ11) -- it's where you would connect the computer to the phone line to use its internal modem for dial-up. It won't work for DSL.
If you don't have a network adapter, you should be able to find one for under $20 either online or at a computer supply store. They're not hard to install if you're comfortable opening the computer and can handle a screwdriver.
2007-01-21 17:06:42 · answer #2 · answered by Peter_AZ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A desktop has no wireless adapter, you have to buy one for it. For the desktop, there would be a connector on the back that looks similar to a phonejack, but is wider. On ones that is built it, the network plug would be near the keyboard/mouse plug-ins. And you don't really need a wireless for a desktop unless there is no way to run a Network cable to it. Notebooks could have a wireless adapter built in already, you just have to read the specs of the notebook.
2007-01-21 17:21:45 · answer #3 · answered by computertech82 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummm... not to make you feel bad but thats really sad that you think the ethernet cable input is wireless
okay you need a wireless adapter to check if u have one .control panel>network connections
this will show u all ur adapters
and No your NIC which is what you are talking about is not your wireless adapter. You need to buy one from a store they come in many designs you can go PCI adapter or use a USB adapter just buy one from store their like 50 bucks and install it
2007-01-21 17:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it might be under control panel
2007-01-21 18:39:43 · answer #5 · answered by jrrkidd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋