Really basic Wifi question

[Italie2001]

Hi there, I'm sure this will be a really simple question for all of you but I cant find the answer easily online - I actually have 2 questions.

I have a PC which is about 5 years old. I tried to attach a wireless router but it wouldnt let me so I guessed that it didnt have the wifi stuff inside to allow me to do that (note all my technical jargon!). I noticed a thing on Amazon called a USB wireless adapter. Now if I put this in my USB port would it allow me to set up the wireless router? Secondly, I want to buy a netbook or laptop for my son for christmas which I assume will have the wifi technology. If I have the wireless router set up at home will the laptop be able to access the internet from that too or do I need to do something else?

Thanks very much for your help

Italie

 

[Mark1956]

To get the old PC to connect with the wireless router you will need the Wireless adapter if there is no wireless card already inside the PC.

If you buy a new machine with a built in wireless adapter it should connect to a wireless router without the need to buy anything else.

 

[Italie2001]

Fab! Thanks. I thought so but just wanted to check with someone who knew.

Thanks again!! x

 

[Mark1956]

Your welcome.

 

[DoubleHelix]

For the old desktop computer, do you need to connect wirelessly to the router? If the computer is near the router, you can connect with an Ethernet cable.

 

[akonobi2011]

Hi there, I'm sure this will be a really simple question for all of you but I cant find the answer easily online - I actually have 2 questions.

I have a PC which is about 5 years old. I tried to attach a wireless router but it wouldnt let me so I guessed that it didnt have the wifi stuff inside to allow me to do that (note all my technical jargon!). I noticed a thing on Amazon called a USB wireless adapter. Now if I put this in my USB port would it allow me to set up the wireless router? Secondly, I want to buy a netbook or laptop for my son for christmas which I assume will have the wifi technology. If I have the wireless router set up at home will the laptop be able to access the internet from that too or do I need to do something else?

Thanks very much for your help

Italie

Yes, a usb wifi adapter will allow you to connect to your wireless router but make sure your operating system is compatible with the usb adapter ( that there are drivers for your particular OS) Yes your laptop will be able to connect to your router if wifi is "built-in" to it, as is the case with most newer ones