Home network

Hi all,

I have a PC with broadband internet connection,
I just invested in a cheap laptop for use around the house.

I want the Laptop to be able to access the web via my PC, and also share the printer!

I would prefer a WIRELESS option...

could anyone suggest any solutions i.e.
- What i need for each (PC/Laptop)
- and good brands and specs???

Thanks

The hardware i use, which i think personaly is very good, are as follows...

Belkin ADSL Modem with High-Speed Mode Wireless-G Router, have a read here..

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/69304/be ... gs+routers

BELKIN Wireless G USB Network Adaptor for main PC, again, have a read here...

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/shopper-reviews/ ... r+adaptors

and for my laptop i use a Belkin 802.11G Wireless Network Card which i bought from argos..

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/store ... tId=123064

All you need to do is plug your ADSL line into your Router, put in your ISP settings and your off...

So i 100% need a router!
Even tho im only connecting 2 workstations im total (forever)

You can get away with setting up an ad-hoc to connect the 2 without a router. All you would need in this case is a wireless card for the computer and a wireless card for the laptop. I just did this for a friend and he spent a grand total of $30 for the hardware. The downsides are (1) you can only connect 2 devices in this setup, no room for further wireless expansion without a router and (2) the PC must always be on for the laptop to have connectivity.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/usin ... ril08.mspx

Thanks that link is good aswell!!

Does this way allow wireless printer ability from the laptop???

Do i have to instll the driver for the printer on the laptop??

Do u suggest any good Hardware? Im running broadband 550 of a PC

Yes, this is done through "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks" which is installed by default.


If you are running 2000 or XP, the driver you need is probably already installed. If not, it is a simple download.



For your desktop:
http://misco.co.uk/productinformation/~ ... 20CARD.htm

For your laptop:
http://misco.co.uk/productinformation/~ ... DAPTER.htm

Those are the cheapest I could find, but I am not very familiar with UK suppliers.

Thanks mate, very helpful!

U are very clear on your reply...

Thank you

My friend is giving me his spare wireless card for his laptop, show i just need a PCI car for my PC right?

Cheers mate

Correct, just make sure it is the same wireless standard as the laptop card. As in, if the card he is giving you is 802.11b, make sure you get an 802.11b card for your computer. If you are not sure what it is, look up the model number on Google or post it here.