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Original poster

Computer question. If want to move pc to a room with no phone connection do we...

16 replies

Tinker · 18/04/2006 17:41

... just buy some sort of wireless thing? How does this work? Or will we need to get a phone point installed? Thanks

OP posts:

carlk · 18/04/2006 18:04

you can go wireless
Maplin do plug \link{http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46494&criteria=mains%20phone%20adaptor&doy=18m4\adaptors} if you have broadband or you can install a wireless network. you will need a wireless router or access point and a card or plug in reciever for your pc.

For wet-string(dial-up) connections you could use one of \link{http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=BD07H&DOY=18m4\these} or \link{http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=BD07H&DOY=18m4\these}

Original poster

Tinker · 18/04/2006 18:07

Thank you. Is this just for if I want to add a laptop, for instance, and leave teh pc where it is? Or can I just move teh pc to another room with something like the link shows? Do have broadband.

OP posts:

DominiConnor · 18/04/2006 18:07

I'd go with CarlK, depending upon the distance wirelss is quite cheap and not very painful.

swedishmum · 18/04/2006 18:34

We have a wireless adaptor (from dabs.com I think) in dh's office, which means we can use internet on laptops anywhere. Bit of a low connection in the kitchen but otherwise works fine in our 5 bed house. Dd's laptop needs a wireless card but my new one just has a switch.

Original poster

Tinker · 18/04/2006 18:37

Thanks again. But still confused. Sorry. Only have the one pc. So where does adaptor and card go?

OP posts:

SaintGeorge · 18/04/2006 18:41

If you don't want to go wireless then you can just buy a telephone extension kit and put a socket in the appropriate room.

Argos have various size kits, all very cheap.

swedishmum · 18/04/2006 18:44

Dh's computer stays put - have phone line in there. It acts as a server (he's a computer bloke anyway so don't fully understand). Dd has a card (bit bigger than a credit card and thicker) that slides in the lh side of her laptop. TRhink it was about £30. My laptop picks up internet connection wherever there is some (eg starbucks, not that I've ever taken it in there!) so I can use the internet anywhere in the house. I'm in the dinig room at the moment, 2 rooms away from dh's study.

DominiConnor · 18/04/2006 19:17

A basic wireless setup is a router and a card.

The router talks to the internet, and stops certain types of bad thing from attacking your PC.
It then broadcasts "I'm a router" to anthing within range. To pick up the signal you need a card.

Make sure you get the right type.

A "PC Card" doesn't fit in most PCs, it goes in laptops. For a desktop PC, you want a "PCI" card.
USB units fit in both types, but I've never used one.
The "54G" type are faster, but most home users don't really notice, but the way it works also means that it's inherently faster and more reliable.

I like Linksys or Belkin gear, usually not much more expensive.

They are usually very easy to set up.

carlk · 18/04/2006 21:24

maplin do both lynksys and belkin stuff, check out their 'B' grade stuff much cheaper and still warrantied (no I dont work for them)
If DD's already connects to the internet with a card you might have wireless set up.
check what her card says on it, it could also be a mobile card connected to a mobile phone network (gprs).

Original poster

Tinker · 19/04/2006 09:05

Thank you everyone again. Feel so thick. Fortunately, partner understands.

OP posts:

nappyaddict · 09/10/2006 02:45

i know what i need to create a wireless network but don't understand what bit goes where etc.

i have a PC with BT broadband connection. the modem we have currently connects to the USB port of the PC.

we are getting a laptop which is wireless enabled so don't need a card, but do need a wireless router. what bit of the modem, router, pc connects where?

nappyaddict · 09/10/2006 03:42

ok i think i have partially figured it out..but please correct me if i am completely barking up the wrong tree!!

The modem router plugs into the phone socket and the ethernet port on your computer. But what about if you only have one computer in the network? - once you have set everything up the router doesn't have to be connected to the ethernet port on the computer surely .. cos then it wouldn't be wireless!

Alibaldi · 09/10/2006 04:05

Wish my h was here he could answer this one for you in a flash. From my understanding it's just the router that connects to the dsl line/bt line. It should come with software which you then load onto your laptop to configure your network naming it etc setting up your ip addresses etc. Belkin comes with an idiot's guide for set-up. I've a wifi enabled laptop and am now typing in front of the telly ready to watch some soap. If you want to wait until Friday can ask H for help. I'm sure someone will be along before then though who can assist you just far better than me mind you.

nappyaddict · 09/10/2006 04:08

thankyou anyway ... but i just googled it and got my answer. if you want the desktop to be wireless you have to buy a usb adaptor thingy.

throckenholt · 09/10/2006 07:46

just for information - it is easiest to ditch your usb modem - get a new one that is adsl modem/router/wireless all in one (we have a netgear one - cost about £60 a year ago).

Then you need a wireless card in whichever pc you want to use - can be a usb plug in one (not supposed to be too reliable), or a card that you plug in to your pc on the inside - it has a little arial that you clip on the outside to pick up the signal.

You should also be able to connect the pc to the router using a standard ethernet cable (ie not using the wireless bit).

Beware - wireless can be flaky - especially if going through walls - try and put the router up high and minimise things in between (eg ours is on the floor at the moment - if the kids park a toy in front of it DH's laptop loses its connection to the internet ).

southeastastralplain · 09/10/2006 08:24

get a router was an installation cd, they guide you through each step

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