help please - wireless connection

[cantfindamnnickname]

I have just bought a new computer - my old one connects wirelessly using a netgear router and a thingy that plugs into the back of the computer.

I have installed the installation disk onto new computer but it doesnt seem to be doing anything.

I tried to get virgin to help but they just told me i dont have a wireless card installed - i dont know what they mean - what is a wireless card? do they mean the installation disk i am trying to install?

It's possible that you don't have a wireless card installed. Most PCs on the market don't. You have to specifically buy one with the wireless symbol (the fan symbol) to make sure. A wireless card is a printed circuit board inside your PC. On the outside, it has an antenna, so you should be able to see this on the back of your computer.

Check your documentation for your PC to see for sure. If it doesn't mention wireless, then you need to buy a wireless adapter (possibly 'the thingy that plugs into the back of the computer' that you mention).

A wireless adapter is looks like a memory stick and it fits into one of your USB slots. It comes with its own software to set everything up.

cant - Check the specs of your laptop. IF you don't have the guide, look it up on the internet via google. I thought most new pc/laptops these days have a wireless card in the body already. Some show a sort of upside-down umbrella button on the body somewhere, some (like mine) don't show this tho' it is still wirless. (press this by accident and the wireless is switched off.

An external adapter is usually called a dongle, but before buying one ensure there isn't a card already inside. (it's nothing to do with the installation disk UNLESS that is purely the software for a dongle to operate from.

hth

New laptops I feel are likely to have a wireless device inside. Whereas a desktop could easily not have one. So check the spec... if you brought it retail and can find it online, post a link to it.

Some laptops need the wireless to be activated. On some Acer laptops there is a button to push to activate the wireless. On a Dell laptop, some have a wireless on/off toggle on keyboard button F2.

I think we really need to know lots more about the computer you have brought to give you any meaningful advice.

The software you mention I suspect is for the dongle that you plugged into your old computer. That dongle may well fit your new computer, so could be worth a try, though I'd use any in-built wireless first if it's there.

Example of a Wireless card, for a Desktop PC

example of a wireless dongle

No picture for an in-built wireless... it's hidden inside a laptop