[kanoakavirus]

Hey all, Apologizes in advanced for the lack of knowledge i hold on laptops/routers.

Basically I have no idea on how to set up wireless Internet for a laptop. I'm looking into buying two laptops for me and my girlfriend but don't want to be limited to the length of my usb/Ethernet wires. I wouldn't know where to start, I assume id have to go out and buy a router, some how plug my modem into my router and install some software? i wouldn't be surprised if buying the router was the only thing i got correct. I've tried googleing this question but came up with websites selling routers but not explaining how to set them up.

Basically could someone give me a small run through on what i need to have wireless Internet set up on 2 laptops? Also what would i need to buy. The laptops will most likely be running Vista Home Premium if that makes a difference, I currently have a Motorola surfboard modem with a blue usb cable and a yellow Ethernet cable in which I'm using at the moment.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/125582

This is the router am interested in as Ive heard very positive reviews on it but in the list of requirments it doesnt list Vista?
"System Requirements Linux, Apple MacOS 9.x, Apple MacOS 8.x, Apple MacOS X 10.x, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP"

[philthomas]

First of all what country are you located in and who is your ISP ?

I have a feeling this is a Cable connection ?

[kanoakavirus]

uk - gloucester (Been meaning to change the flag back) and my ISP is Telewest Broadband

[philthomas]

OK .... most Laptops today will come wifi enabled, so you shouldn't need any extra kit for these. Just check that they have 802.11g wifi, in the spec.

There is a higher spec ( 802.11n draft), which currently only seems to be offered on the higher spec machines. 802.11n draft is much faster for file transfers between machines, but wont really make a lot of difference to standard Internet connections.

As for the Router, you will need a Wireless Cable Router, to connect your Modem to, such as this one, not an ADSL Router, as thease are designe for ISPs who use the telephone line and they incorporate a Modem.

If you decide to go for a Laptop with 802.11n, then you will need to choose a higher spec Router to match, to enjoy the faster file transfer speeds.

There's not much to setting things up, but if you have any problems, just post again here.

HTH

[kanoakavirus]

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/143913...oduct_overview is the laptop i have in mind
Network
Wired 10/100/1000 LAN, V.92 Modem Wireless Intel 802.11a/b/g* Intel 802.11a/b/g/n (MIMO)

Wich router would you recomend, and once ive bought a router is it a case of connecting it to my current modem,installing the router software and following the instructions?

[kanoakavirus]

maybe something along the lines of http://www.ebuyer.com/product/132750

[philthomas]

OK ... the Laptop you have listed is wifi enabled and supports 802.11n, so the Router you have listed will work fine with it, allowing for faster speeds. They will both work fine with devices at lower speeds too (i.e. 802.11b +g).
In theory 802.11n is 10 x faster see here for info.

Once you have the Router, you can simply pug it into your Modem and follow the instructions that come with it. It is sometimes easier to temporarily hook up an Ethernet cable, from the Router to the PC or Laptop, just to configure the Router and then unplug it, when done.
Some Router's have an easy configure wizard, it depends on the make & model.

[kanoakavirus]

ah thank you very much, you've put an end to my worries involving the laptop cheers mate just added to your rep

[philthomas]

You're welcome .... one point regarding the Samsung R700, I just googled it and lots of suppliers are not showing it as 802.11n .... it seems only Ebuyer are quoting it in the spec. and they may have it wrong.

If this is important to you, it might be worth verifying this, before you place an order.

[philthomas]

Actually on Samsung's website, it seems there are 2 specs .... see here
one does have 802.11n and one doesn't, so it's possible Ebuyer are correct.
Even so, it might be worth verifying with them

[kanoakavirus]

Thank you very much mate