Computer connections?

Question

Am I right in thinking to set up a laptop in addition to my computer, i just need to connect a wireless adapter to my computer and then I will be able to connect a wireless laptop to it and work both off the same internet provider? Or is this too simple? Help, I'm a complete novice with computers.

Answer 1

It is possible to do it like that using Internet Connection Sharing and bridging the two connections, but it will be a lot of hassle, and the desktop computer would have to stay on permenantly.
You would do better to get yourself a wireless router. Plug the Modem into the WAN or Internet port on the wireless router, then plug the desk top into one of the numbered ports, and the laptop can connect wirelessly.

Make sure you set up your security on the wireless router though. The best thing to do is as soon as you get your wireless router call the router manufacturer and ask them how to set it up.

Answer 2

if you want a desktop and a laptop to network and use your broadband connection, you will need a router of some sort.

If you'd enjoy the wireless connectivity of a wireless one, then yes, go for that, but make sure there's an available ethernet port on the back for your current desktop.

Basically the way it works is this:

Broadband modem (probably plugged directly into your desktop right now) -> Router -> computer systems.

check the sources for a cheap router that can do this.

Answer 3

No. If your computer is connected to the internet using a wire already it won't need a wireless adapter. Instead you'll need what's called a wireless router. Your desktop will connect to the wireless router using a wire while your laptop can connect wirelessly.

Answer 4

yes, but you will need to use the network set up wizard. you run it on the pc, then when prompted, transfer the settings to a portable data key or mp3 player, then run these settings on the laptop, again using the network set up wizard. you may have to adjust firewall settings. there will be a dialog box, during the wizard, about using one pc, to connect to the net, via anothr pc.
This sort of direct communication between 2 computers, wirelessly, is called an ad hock connection. You may need to tell a firewall to allow adhock connection, on both pc firewalls.
The other way is to use a wireless router, connected to your phone line/cable modem, and both computers connect to it wirelessly OR 1 wired/1 wireless, at the same time. This has an advantage, that routers are good "hardware" firewalls, preventing incomming sniffing.
You should use wpa wireless encryption, using a pre shared key. Router instructions will tell you about this.

Answer 5

You could make it work that way, but you being a self proclaimed novice I would not recommend it as it could result in a dramatic hair loss from you pulling on it.

I would suggest you purchase a wireless router and connect to your broadband modem and thats that........

Connect the desktop using ethernet cable to the router, or install a wireless adapter in it if its not close to the router and that should be it.

Answer 6

You'll need a wireless router. on which you can set a password and your laptop would need a wireless adapter. They're usually intergrated in a laptop already.

Answer 7

You need a wireless router. Have a look on ebuyer.com or similar for one. Some have a inbuilt broadband modem, but you wont need this as you already have one. Might be simpler though to get one of these though. Make sure you get the correct one, cable or ethernet.