Help for the Wi Fi Idiot

[Cindy's Mom]

I need some computer help. Santa bought DD a laptop for Christmas. ATT was supposed to come yesterday and install new cable system along w/ WiFi, because of our weather here, they had to cancel.

Now I don't have WiFi in the house. Is there a way that DD will be able to hook up to internet in the meantime. I have NO IDEA how this work. Please someone lend some guidance.

 

[ckay87]

Can't you just plug your ethernet cable into the back of the laptop? In simple terms, you should have a cable that comes out of the modem that you plug into the back of the computer.

edited to add that this might cause you, however, to have to leave the Disboards. ;(

 

[BunsenH]

Do you have a cable modem now? If so, remove the cable from your PC and attach it to the laptop. Then reset the modem. She will be on line but you will not.

If AT&T is installing a cable modem and a wireless router, you'll have to wait for them.

Send her to Starbucks!

 

[Laura]

In your house, you can plug it into your network or to your modem like you do with any desktops. Or you can go somewhere that has free wi-fi, like a coffee shop or something.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I have Comcast internet. Does every TV cable outlet in the house have internet as well. (Please don't laugh at my ignorance)

 

[BunsenH]

I have Comcast internet. Does every TV cable outlet in the house have internet as well. (Please don't laugh at my ignorance)

Sorry, no.

Cable to TV box = TV channels
Cable to modem near PC = Internet access

There is a cable from the modem to your PC with a clear plastic plug on the end. Remove it from your PC and connect it to the network port on the laptop. You may need to reset (unplug power - wait 30 sec. - plug in power) the modem for it to recognize the laptop.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Sorry, no.

Cable to TV box = TV channels
Cable to modem near PC = Internet access

There is a cable from the modem to your PC with a clear plastic plug on the end. Remove it from your PC and connect it to the network port on the laptop. You may need to reset (unplug power - wait 30 sec. - plug in power) the modem for it to recognize the laptop.

Thanks for dumbing this down for me.

Can I buy a modem for her and plug it into her TV cable in her room? Any quick fixes for this. (quick does not need to equal cheap). I'd like something a permanent.

 

[BunsenH]

Thanks for dumbing this down for me.

Can I buy a modem for her and plug it into her TV cable in her room? Any quick fixes for this. (quick does not need to equal cheap). I'd like something a permanent.

Sorry, no again. You can't have 2 modems on the same installation. What you need is a wireless router. This device allows more than one computer to share a single internet connection. Either with a cable or wireless. A router costs $50-$100. While not simple to install and configure, the included instructions should get you going. Linksys is a popular router brand.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Sorry, no again. You can't have 2 modems on the same installation. What you need is a wireless router. This device allows more than one computer to share a single internet connection. Either with a cable or wireless. A router costs $50-$100. While not simple to install and configure, the included instructions should get you going. Linksys is a popular router brand.

Well aren't you the naysayer today Do you seriously thing that I can install this even with the instructions included?
I got a headache just ready your post.

I truly appreciate you posting so quickly....looks like DD will just have to plug into my computer until I can get someone out here to install the wireless router.

Hey, if she doesn't like it, then Santa can take it back.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Sorry, no again. You can't have 2 modems on the same installation. What you need is a wireless router. This device allows more than one computer to share a single internet connection. Either with a cable or wireless. A router costs $50-$100. While not simple to install and configure, the included instructions should get you going. Linksys is a popular router brand.

Unless the cable modem (gateway) she has now has space for two plugs. My old DSL had space for up to four plugs for four computers. She might want to check her current modem for this possiblity.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Unless the cable modem (gateway) she has now has space for two plugs. My old DSL had space for up to four plugs for four computers. She might want to check her current modem for this possiblity.

OP here. The only open "hole" in my modem is for a UBS. Does that help?

 

[Cindy's Mom]

OP here again......Well I guess I'm not that much of an idiot....I installed the wireless router!

Thanks BunsenH so much for your guidance. I bought the one you recommended.

 

[Charade]

 

[BunsenH]

OP here again......Well I guess I'm not that much of an idiot....I installed the wireless router!

Thanks BunsenH so much for your guidance. I bought the one you recommended.

Excellent and congratulations.

I hope that you did this when successful.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I told DH that he owes me $150 for installation. That's what the Geek Squad wanted to charge me.