HELP!!! What do i need 2 connect our desktop and laptop to the internet wirelessly?

Question

So we just moved in with my husbands parents house. They've got an internet connection and now im so confused on what i need 2 connect my desktop and laptop wirelessly. The laptop is a brand new Dell Inspiron 1501. I've been told that i need a wireless router? and a laptop adapter? i have no idea! pls somebody help!!

Answer 1

Depending on the type of Internet service box or connection you have to hook up to, you should be able to buy an Ethernet cable, a wireless router and a usb wireless receiver for the desktop. The laptop is already equipped.

hook the Ethernet cable to the wireless router (following the enclosed instructions)

connect the wireless receiver to a usb port on the desktop (after following the enclosed instructions)

have fun with tweaking the wireless settings on the computers to interface with the router. Sometimes you get lucky and the magic just happens without doing anything else.

BE AWARE that the wireless router will transmit nearly 100 + feet and allow "wardrivers" to park outside your house and receive your Internet signal. Also your neighbors and whoever else can as well. If any of those are possible, you will need to configure the encryption on the router, the instructions should help with that.

Answer 2

1. You need to get a WireLess Router ( Linksys or other ) to connect to your Cable Modem. Use a cat5 cable and connect from identified connector on router to the cable modem output.

2. You need wireless adaptors for your desktop ( if not in close proximity to the router ) and the Laptop. If your laptop is newer, it probably has a built-in wireless adaptor.

3. Turn off the cable modem and connect it to the wireless router, install the wireless router software if present.

4. Turn on the cable modem, turn on the wireless router and you should be broadcasting a signal. Also the router will have 3 or 4 connections where you can connect a computer directly without any adaptors, just the cat5 cable. ( Cat5 comes in up to 50' lengths at BestBuy or Staples.)

5. If you use a wireless card, load the software for it prior to putting it in the computer, that way the drivers are loaded. You will probably be prompted to insert the device during the install process.

6. Your laptop (guide) when turned on will detect a wireless signal, it will be your router. Let it connect.

7. When you have time, use the router manual to secure your network so your neighbors don't get on your wireless router and get free internet.

Hope this helps

Sarge

Answer 3

This is easy, and quite common. In fact, their is a benefit to your parents, adding a router adds a "firewall" to help keep out hackers!

You'll need a wireless cable/DSL router. The Linksys wrt54g is very typical. But if money is available, bump up to the new "n" WRT150N (more distance and speed).

The router goes between the current modem and the pc. Their pc simply plugs into the new router.

Then you need to add wireless capability to your PC's. Your desktop can use an internal card, but it's easier to add an external USB unit. The laptop probably has wireless already, if not, simply add a G or N card. (Even though it's more expensive, I'm going with all 'N' equipment as it's the future, but 'G" is ok)

Here's the web page for Linksys product info http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C1&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1115416939789&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=3978913196L04
available everywere. I like Best Buy and Amazon online.

Answer 4

The 1501 laptop should already have a wireless card installed. I suggest you buy a Linksys WRT54G Router. About $50. Easy to install and configure. Your Desktop may require a Wireless adapter. Get the Linksys WUSB54G USB adapter. Any questions -
Email me.

Answer 5

the laptop is already wireless.

you need a wireless router. plug it into the modem with a 1 foot ethernet cable.

boom. you're done. you're wireless in the house.

to connect the desktop you need to buy enough ethernet cable to get to the router or buy a wireless card for it or buy a $7 usb wireless dongle and put it in a usb port. use pricegrabber