[LVYoung]

Hello

I have a 8 year old desktop Gateway installed with Windows XP. Location upstairs. Purchased a new laptop Toshiba for downstairs use. Was told by the salesman that I'd need a router and possibly an adapter. I don't see anywhere on the desktop to plug in the adapter or even if the adapter comes with the router or if I have to purchase it separately. Would the adapter be wireless---don't want to break the seal on the box--- I may have to return it. I'm new to computers ---need to sign up for some classes . Hope someone can help me with this.

Thanks very much.
LVYoung

[simpswr]

and welcome to the Forum

How do you connect to the internet now?

See how much this guide helps your understanding of networking

[DoubleHelix]

If you bought a router, it would say very clearly on the box if some type of adapter was also included. It would be a special package deal. Do you need a wireless network adapter for the desktop? You don't if the router is going to sit right next to the computer. Just use a network cable.

[JStergis]

However, being an 8 year old desktop, it may not have an RJ-45 jack on it at all. If so, the best bet is to get a 10-20$ PCI card. An RJ-45 jack looks like a standard RJ-11 phone jack, but it is wider.

Here's the difference: http://www.blinn.edu/acadtech/resnet/rj11-45.gif

How is your broadband modem plugged into the PC? Through a cable like shown above or through a USB cable? A USB Jack is rectangular, it looks like this: http://blogs.s60.com/s60multimedia/usb%20002.jpg

If it is plugged in through an RJ-45 jack, you do not need an adapter for the desktop as long as the router will sit near it.

All you would need is a router (which apparently you have), and you would bridge the modem through (we can help you with that).

[LVYoung]

Thanks to simpswr, DoubleHelix, and JStergis. That was a big help. Yes the router will sit next to the desktop and I do have high speed internet cable rather than dial up. I've got a lot of learning to go !!

Thanks again