router help

[Laura PourMeADrink]

First time here. Thanks in advance DU techies !


Bought a dell desktop w/HP monitor at goodwill. Set it all up. Thought I could pick up my home wireless thru cable that I use for my laptop.

When I searched for the wireless network, it said none could be found.

Do I need another router for the desktop?

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

1. I need some more info

About the first thing to check is if the PC has a WiFi adapter. Most desktops don't. Look for a 2 dbi antenna on the back. It looks like this:


I'll also need to now if this pc is running windows and which version.

and welcome

[Laura PourMeADrink]

2. MY STUFF

Dell XMS 400




NO ANTENNAE


RUNNING WINDOWS VISTA

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

3. As far as I can tell...

...this system does not come stock with WiFi. Lacking a visible antenna would mostly confirm that.

Unless you are confortable opening the tower and installing a WiFi card, the simplest answer is to connect the PC to the router with an Ethernet cable.





If you really need wireless, get a USB to WiFi adapter. This one looks good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=33-704-045&IsVirtualParent=1



Let me know if you need more help.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

6. thanks so much DIS !!!

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

7. You're welcome

[Phillip McCleod]

4. yep sounds like you have no wifi.

most desktops don't except macs and the latest everything else.

at work (computer shop) we sell both the nice usb wifi adapters like the one above and the cheap ones for $22. both work and both are 300n (fast) wifi.. faster than laptops' built in wifi.

ethernet is faster still. if you have a desktop close enough to reach with a cable, there's no reason on earth to choose wifi over ethernet.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

5. The TPLink adapter he recommends is 19.95. Unfortunately

our internet is thru cable and the wireless router has to be near the TV. We have laptops...but wanted a desktop for working at home testing a conversion - which is just easier with a big screen and detached keyboard. We live in a big old house so the signal doesn't travel throughout the house - so we have to be close to the router. But, no...desktop not close enough to ethernet it.

Another thing that sucks is that we have a home phone through cable as well ...BUT, it has to be connected at the same place as the TV with a long cord messing things up. Wanted home phone using extension jacks throughout the house - but they told be that is passe and ATT MAY be only co that is still doing that.

Thanks so much for the input. You guys rock !!

[ballardgirl]

8. Cable Company

I had my cable company come out and install a separate cable outlet for my computer and phone. I believe it cost only $25 (Comcast).

[Laura PourMeADrink]

9. interesting...thanks for that idea !