Setting up Wireless?!?

Question

Okay, I'm kind of a wiz kid when it comes to computers, but I realised I know NOTHING about setting up a Wi-Fi connection.
I have an Dell Optiplex GX60 desktop computer with Windows XP and AOL Broadband via DSL and am soon purchasing a Laptop with Vista and would like to set it up so the Laptop can go wireless. The computer is in my living room, but I'd like to use the Laptop in my bedroom.

The Laptop comes with a WLAN: Integrated 802.11g Wireless LAN but as far as I know, the computer has no wireless adapter. However, I heard that the wireless adapters always go in the white pins inside the computer, and if so, this means it has one. (CAN SOMEONE CONFIRM THIS FOR ME PLEASE?)
If it doesn't, then I'm guessing I need a router (does anyone know which one or recommend any? does it depend on what type of Laptop/Desktop PC I have?), a pc wireless adapter, an Ethernet cable.... anything I've missed out?
Basically, I need a step-by-step guide for my current configuration....will give 10 pts

Thank you for the ONE answer I've had so far.
I meant the white pins in the computer NOT the laptop..
- Thanks.

Answer 1

What you really want to do is add a wireless router to the mix. You dont have to have a wireless unit in your desktop to have your laptop connect wirelessly.

Just get a router, much faster much easier to setup, cost about the same as adding a wireless adapter to your desktop. Normally most desktops DO NOT HAVE a wireless adapter since they sit in one place and can be wired.
You can buy an adapter -- it would pluginto the PCI slots (white plugs) and you could (not easy to do) configure it to share your internet connection but this is NOT the best method. A router plugs in outside your computer and is easy to setup. Much like your dsl modem.

Linksys, Dlink, Netgear, many others are good routers. I would suggest just checking local computer centers and office supplies. Find one on sale (normally around $30 - $40) and hook it up.

The router fits between your DSL line and the computers. Your desktop will just plug into the wired ports. You set the router up for the wireless then your Laptop can just connect to the system and your done.

Answer 2

If a laptop has integrated Wireless LAN that means the card is built in and you wouldn't be able to see it. No need to buy additional hardware, if you have a wireless router, it will be able to connect.

Most wireless routers now a days have both wired ports for ethernet cables and antennas for wireless capabilites. Router choice is up to you but for ease of use and quality alone I prefer the Linksys family of routers.

The router should be installed so that your wired computers have internet access first. That way if you have trouble you can use the other computer for information, help, etc. Once that is done, Linksys provides an install CD which guides you through the activation of your wireless on the router. Very simple, just answer some on screen questions. Once that is done, the laptop should be able to find the wireless connection should prompt you to join the network or not. Select yes and there should be no problems. You might want to consider adding encryption for added security. This is an option during the setup but can also cause more problems during the connection phase with the laptop. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

your pc does not need a wireless adapter, you need to get a wireless modem/router and connect this via ethernet cable to your pc, then the laptop can connect wirelessly, no matter what ,you need to buy a modem/router, as you are on aol, like me i highly recommend a netgear dg834g, dg834gt, or dg834pn, aol have an installation program for netgear that make it soo easy to set up, i have it if you want it, it is for the dg834g but does all the above ones, i have a dg834pn and the program worked fine and a friend has a dg834gt and it also worked fine. email me if you want