Exactly what do i need please!

Hi,
Have tried reading some of the other posts but to see if could get the
answer but am very clueless when it comes to this but basically could
someone please
recommend to me the exact things i need to buy to allow a wireless
connection to broadband for myself using desktop computer and flatmate using
laptop computer. Sorry if it has been asked a million times already.
We don't have broadband yet but are getting it - i'm just upgrading my
tiscali dial-up account.
As far as i can see i need a PCI card (?) but would prefer something that
plugs into outside of my computer if poss as not confident with opening up
the computer and flat mate needs a similar card for laptop?
The main problem is the router/modem or whatever it is we need - i can't
work out what we need to ensure that we can both connect regardless of
whether the other one is on the net also. I have read that some types of
connection require one of the computers to be on before the other one can
use the connection too and we don't want this.
Hope that all makes sense, i have asked other newsgroups a few months ago
and got some advice but it still didn't make sense to me - i literally need
someone to tell me the make and model etc of all the things we need to buy
for this to work!! Thanks
P.S the cheaper the better as we are both students but would prefer it to be
easy to use and work well rather than just cheap if you see what i mean.

Thanks!
Londongirl

In general terms, you need a wireless adsl modem router to make and
maintain your broadband connection, and some kind of device for each
computer to connect to it. For the desktop, a PCI card is one option, a
USB "dongle" is another, so long as your PC is reasonably up to date.
For the laptop, check it doesn't already have wireless support, if not
you will have to get a PCMCIA card or a USB dongle.

Specifically, Ebuyer will probably be cheapest, though many people don't
like to deal with them. I've had almost no problems with them so I don't
mind recommending them.

modem/router:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=62234

USB adapter:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63002

PCI card:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=64618

PCMCIA card:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63014

Note that these are the cheapest options ebuyer do. I've not used any of
them, but they all have decent customer reviews and anyway, I've had
plenty of problems getting more expensive kit to work. The cheap stuff
is often easier, but may not last as long as something by, for example,
Linksys.

Once you've bought your kit, the fun will really start!

John

"JK" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> In general terms, you need a wireless adsl modem router to make and
> maintain your broadband connection, and some kind of device for each
> computer to connect to it. For the desktop, a PCI card is one option, a
> USB "dongle" is another, so long as your PC is reasonably up to date. For
> the laptop, check it doesn't already have wireless support, if not you
> will have to get a PCMCIA card or a USB dongle.
>
> Specifically, Ebuyer will probably be cheapest, though many people don't
> like to deal with them. I've had almost no problems with them so I don't
> mind recommending them.
>
> modem/router:
> http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=62234
>
> USB adapter:
> http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63002
>
> PCI card:
> http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=64618
>
> PCMCIA card:
> http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63014

Just a note that you will need a PCI Card and a PCMCIA card (for the laptop)
or a PCMCIA Card and a USB Stick not all 3!

PCI and PCMCIA cards are not only cheaper but will use less system resources
than a USB Stick.
The PCI card is simple to install, simply open the case, unscrew one of the
blanking plates from the back of the case from Inside, slot PCI Card into
spare port (probably white) and screw in then close the computer up.

Neil

Ok, i was going to go with the USB just cos i'm so nervous of doing
something stupid to the inside of my pc! How much difference will it make
using
a USB - will it make the computer slower altogether?
Thanks!
"Dr. Compynei" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> "JK" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > In general terms, you need a wireless adsl modem router to make and
> > maintain your broadband connection, and some kind of device for each
> > computer to connect to it. For the desktop, a PCI card is one option, a
> > USB "dongle" is another, so long as your PC is reasonably up to date.
For
> > the laptop, check it doesn't already have wireless support, if not you
> > will have to get a PCMCIA card or a USB dongle.
> >
> > Specifically, Ebuyer will probably be cheapest, though many people don't
> > like to deal with them. I've had almost no problems with them so I don't
> > mind recommending them.
> >
> > modem/router:
> > http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=62234
> >
> > USB adapter:
> > http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63002
> >
> > PCI card:
> > http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=64618
> >
> > PCMCIA card:
> > http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63014
>
> Just a note that you will need a PCI Card and a PCMCIA card (for the
laptop)
> or a PCMCIA Card and a USB Stick not all 3!
>
> PCI and PCMCIA cards are not only cheaper but will use less system
resources
> than a USB Stick.
> The PCI card is simple to install, simply open the case, unscrew one of
the
> blanking plates from the back of the case from Inside, slot PCI Card into
> spare port (probably white) and screw in then close the computer up.
>
> Neil
>
>

"londongirl" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Ok, i was going to go with the USB just cos i'm so nervous of doing
> something stupid to the inside of my pc! How much difference will it make
> using
> a USB - will it make the computer slower altogether?
> Thanks!

It really depends on how old your computer is, but probably yes.

http://www.triton.net/help/easyPCICardInstall.html

Have a look there for installing a PCI Card.

A PCMCIA card on a laptop is just a plug in on the side.

"londongirl" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> Hi,
>> recommend to me the exact things i need to buy to allow a wireless
> connection to broadband for myself using desktop computer and flatmate
> using
> laptop computer.

Has the laptop got a wireless card already installed?
Some new laptops come with cards, if not you will need an Wireless PCMIA
card.


> As far as i can see i need a PCI card (?) but would prefer something that
> plugs into outside of my computer if poss as not confident with opening up
> the computer and flat mate needs a similar card for laptop?

Your PC should have a Network card in it already (RJ45 Connection)
If not a 10/100 network card costs £8-£15 depending on where you buy it.
A cable will then connect to your network card in the PC from the router.

.. I have read that some types of
> connection require one of the computers to be on before the other one can
> use the connection too and we don't want this.

Thats ICS as you say you don't won't that

> Hope that all makes sense, i have asked other newsgroups a few months ago
> and got some advice but it still didn't make sense to me - i literally
> need
> someone to tell me the make and model etc of all the things we need to buy
> for this to work!! Thanks
> P.S the cheaper the better as we are both students but would prefer it to
> be
> easy to use and work well rather than just cheap if you see what i mean.
>
> Thanks!
> Londongirl
>

I think the best would be a Netgear DG834G router/switch (easy to set up)
and a Netgear WG511 card. Buy both from PC World for £145 or as
bundle from http://www.dslsource.co.uk/products.asp for £88.13 including
VAT and free next day delivery.
Netgear DG834Gv2 54G Bundle with WG511

The ADSL line will connect to the Router and then to the PC .
So the ADSL line will need to be close to the PC. You can buy
long RJ45 cables but can cost upto £15. The Netgear comes with
a 2mtr RJ45 lead.
The router has a Wireless Access included so your friend can
connect with the wireless card in the laptop.
The router needs to be left on so that either or both needs to have access
to the
internet.
Take a look at the PDF file which shows the set up of the equipment, don't
get
taken in by the jargon as it will not concern the average user.
ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/dg834g_ref_manual.pdf

what so i do need to have a cable connect to my pc after all?
I appreciate the advice guys but am hearing many different things! One
minute i think i get it and the next minute i don't.
Is it possible to connect a pc and a laptop both wirelessly so neither of
them are wired to the modem/router?

Also anyone with tiscali broadband? Can you tell me if a modem/router will
work or does it have to be a modem supplied by tiscali, as a poster
somewhere else (or maybe here - i'm losing track!) said some service
providers broadband dosn't work with other modems?
Thanks again - sorry for all the questions
"Merlin" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:cq44on$3up$(E-Mail Removed)...
>
> "londongirl" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:(E-Mail Removed)...
> > Hi,
> >> recommend to me the exact things i need to buy to allow a wireless
> > connection to broadband for myself using desktop computer and flatmate
> > using
> > laptop computer.
>
> Has the laptop got a wireless card already installed?
> Some new laptops come with cards, if not you will need an Wireless PCMIA
> card.
>
>
> > As far as i can see i need a PCI card (?) but would prefer something
that
> > plugs into outside of my computer if poss as not confident with opening
up
> > the computer and flat mate needs a similar card for laptop?
>
> Your PC should have a Network card in it already (RJ45 Connection)
> If not a 10/100 network card costs £8-£15 depending on where you buy it.
> A cable will then connect to your network card in the PC from the router.
>
> . I have read that some types of
> > connection require one of the computers to be on before the other one
can
> > use the connection too and we don't want this.
>
> Thats ICS as you say you don't won't that
>
> > Hope that all makes sense, i have asked other newsgroups a few months
ago
> > and got some advice but it still didn't make sense to me - i literally
> > need
> > someone to tell me the make and model etc of all the things we need to
buy
> > for this to work!! Thanks
> > P.S the cheaper the better as we are both students but would prefer it
to
> > be
> > easy to use and work well rather than just cheap if you see what i mean.
> >
> > Thanks!
> > Londongirl
> >
>
> I think the best would be a Netgear DG834G router/switch (easy to set up)
> and a Netgear WG511 card. Buy both from PC World for £145 or as
> bundle from http://www.dslsource.co.uk/products.asp for £88.13 including
> VAT and free next day delivery.
> Netgear DG834Gv2 54G Bundle with WG511
>
> The ADSL line will connect to the Router and then to the PC .
> So the ADSL line will need to be close to the PC. You can buy
> long RJ45 cables but can cost upto £15. The Netgear comes with
> a 2mtr RJ45 lead.
> The router has a Wireless Access included so your friend can
> connect with the wireless card in the laptop.
> The router needs to be left on so that either or both needs to have access
> to the
> internet.
> Take a look at the PDF file which shows the set up of the equipment, don't
> get
> taken in by the jargon as it will not concern the average user.
> ftp://downloads.netgear.com/files/dg834g_ref_manual.pdf
>
>

londongirl wrote:
> what so i do need to have a cable connect to my pc after all?
> I appreciate the advice guys but am hearing many different things! One
> minute i think i get it and the next minute i don't.
> Is it possible to connect a pc and a laptop both wirelessly so
> neither of them are wired to the modem/router?

Yes it is , although if the modem/router is next to one of the PCs you may
as well use a wired connection for that machine as it will be cheaper than a
wireless connection.

--
Alex

Join dozens of newsgroup users in making a group charity purchase from
www.oxfamunwrapped.com Full details at www.drzoidberg.co.uk -over £1800
raised so far

On Sun, 19 Dec 2004 15:15:31 -0000, "londongirl"
<(E-Mail Removed)> strung together this:

>what so i do need to have a cable connect to my pc after all?

No. You ideally want a machine with a wired network connection for the
initial setting up of the router but after that all connected machines
can be wireless.

>I appreciate the advice guys but am hearing many different things! One
>minute i think i get it and the next minute i don't.
>Is it possible to connect a pc and a laptop both wirelessly so neither of
>them are wired to the modem/router?
>
Yes.

>Also anyone with tiscali broadband?

Fortunately not.

>Can you tell me if a modem/router will
>work or does it have to be a modem supplied by tiscali,

Any router will work, just make sure it has a modem built in.

>as a poster
>somewhere else (or maybe here - i'm losing track!) said some service
>providers broadband dosn't work with other modems?

Not that I know of. Any equipment will work with any BB service.
--

SJW
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