Wireless router advice please

[SingleMum01]

I have a Siemens SE587 wireless router. I've used it via the ethernet cable and it connects fine. I'm trying to go wireless but it won't let me! I've run my installation CD and I get an error message 'it can't detect a wireless adaptor' and it tells me I need to buy a wireless adaptor.

I thought the pc would automatically pick up the signal from the router? Under my network connections there is no wireless network connection either.

HELP!

Sounds like your PC doesn't have a wireless card. Some PCs don't come with them, unlike laptops, which all do.

You'll need to go buy a wireless adapter for the PC.

is that something that looks like a memory card that plugs in? Can I get one cheap off ebay?

You might be able to get it off of EBay. I don't really know anything about Ebay.

Actually I may be being thick! I'm trying to get my main pc wireless as I'm having a laptop and want that to be wireless. Is it necessary for the main pc to be wireless or can I continue to use it via the router and ethernet cable but then for my laptop to log on wirelessly?

No, you can leave the main computer ethernet!

That's what we have. Our main PC is ethernetted into the wireless router and then our laptop accesses the network wirelessly.

great, I don't need to mess around then! When Santa brings my laptop, is it easy to set up wireless?

I assume you have your passwords etc set on your router? Because you'll need to do that and then its just a matter of following the wireless network set up wizard on the laptop.

how do I know if I have passwords? I don't have to input any at the moment

Do you have a way to access the router? Like mine I have an IP address I put into my browser and it shows me the router settings.

You'll need to set up security on it. It should all be in the user manual or on the manufacturer's website.

Yes I can do that, doesn't ask me for a password though - maybe it will when I set up the wireless laptop - Christmas day will be fun!

You'll need to find a place to set the level of security and a password.

Make sure you set a password, do not leave it as an open network, you will regret it!!!

You should be able to set a password both on the web pages that configure the router and for machines to use when they connect wirelessly to the box.

Both are important to do.