Wieless help

[Verity Chambers]

Ok, so I know I am majorly behind the times here, but i want to buy a laptop and get wireless as we don't have this at the moment. can someone explain wireless slowly to me as I am clueless. What do I need to buy? do?? Sorry for being a dummy!!

 

[natalielongstaff]

You will need a broadband internet connection

A wireless router ( ive got belkin)

A laptop with a built in wireless card/connection

I set up my router on my own so its not that hard !

HTH

 

[gemmybear83]

If you have Virgin Media and have your internet through that you need to make sure you buy a wireless router suitable for cable - I have a philips one and it works great

 

[Pegasus928]

When you buy your router (the shop you get your laptop from may be able to help you choose one - if not just pop into PC World and ask them for advice) it will come with a setup disc that you will put in your main PC.
This will then guide you through the setup process (which cables to unplug and when, where to plug them, when to switch on your router etc - it really is very simple to follow)
It will then configure your PC and the router and will let you know when everything is finished. It should then be a simple case of switching on your laptop and searching for your wireless connection (network). Once you have found it, and connected to it, tick the box that says you want to always use this network if it is found and then you shouldn't have to go searching for it again.
The best thing to do when you initially search for your network is to sit next to the router, where the strength will be strongest, then move to where you want to use your laptop. It should be OK provided your walls aren't 12 foot thick, or your favourite location isn't half a mile away.

 

[Goofyish]

Remember to setup the security on your router - this can be either WEP or WPA. WEP is slightly easier to setup but is less secure than WPA. You router should come with instructions to set up the security. If you leave the router with no secuirty then anyone can hack into it and use your internet connection and possible access your personal data!

Depending on what type of broadband connection you have there are two type of wireless router:

For cable broadband (Virgin Media, ex-NTL etc.) you need a Cable Router
For broadband over your telephone cable (BT etc.) you need an ADSL Router

Get the best router you can afford it will be faster, with longer range and support future wireless advances (like 802.11n).