Can anyone tell me what I need for a wireless connection?

[carla]

We already have our PC attached to an NTL box. I want to cancel that, and have a wireless connection to a laptop. Obviously I'll have to buy a laptop, but how does the internet connection work? I definately don't want a connection on here anymore, but does the wireless bit depend on your laptop, or the connection you have with NTL? Would I be able to cancel this connection and just have it on my laptop, which is what I want? Would I have to get NTL in again for a different sort of connection? Can I still keep my old email addy?

Sorry for so many questions, but you can see how technologically inept I am! Thanks.

Shamless bump. Anyone help?

you'll still need the ntl (or another) internet connection I'm afraid. You will need to connect this to a wireless router. Then laptops or other devices can connect wirelessly to the router within range. If you stick with ntl you will need a non ADSL wireless router. If you have a standard BT-type land phone line (rather than using cable for phone service) then an alternative is to get a broadband connection down the phone line (ADSL, not dial-up) which can work out slightly cheaper and often faster than cable per month. But if you do this you would need an ADSL wireless router, so you need to decide if you stick with ntl or move to ADSL first.

If you stick with ntl, you need to check that your current box has an ethernet port (which it will need to connect to the wireless router). (most do I think). It may use one already to connect to the pc, in which case fine. Or it may use usb to connect to the pc , in which cas it may or may not also have an ethernet port which could be used. If there isn't an ethernet port and you have to stick with ntl, then you will need a new modem which may need them to visit to install (not sure about that).

But if all's ok with ethernet, can I disconnect the PC from the internet, and only have in on the laptop? That's what I'm after.

yes... but i THINK you need a router... so you can have several (or just 1 ie a laptop) computers online at the same time.

You need a wireless router... which connects to your NTL box, (or to NTL some way) and then wireless enabled computers / laptops can pick up the signal and gain access to the net work etc

you can still use a wired net work as well tho if you want to and have a PC plugged in and a lap top (or a few laptops) on wireless at the same time!

You would disconnect the pc and connect the wireless router to the ntl box. Next you would probably need to connect the pc to the router in order to configure the wireless network (mostly they have to be configured from a connected device initially I think). Use the pc to configure the wireless network and then you can connect to it wirelessly using the laptop. You could either leave the pc connected or disconnect it once it was set up. The router will allow several devices to simultaneously access the internet if you want.

We have NTL and have a wireless network, having previously had a wired one.

It's very easy to set up: first buy a wireless router (not the NTL one which is outrageously expensive). Plug the internet cable from the NTL modem or cable TV box into the right place on the router. Plug any hard-wired computers into one of the available slots on the router.

Designate one of your computers to manage the router (the router gives you a web address that you use for router management) - this is where you basically set the security features for the routers. It's easier to leave it unsecure until you know everything is working.

Laptops and other wireless capable PCs should be able to detect the router. You simply click 'connect', and everything should work. If you have a secure router, then you will need to type in a code on your wireless computers to get them to connect - but you only have to do this the first time.