Really basic Wifi question

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

 

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.

 

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

Thanks again!! x

 

Your welcome.

 

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.

 

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