[ralphp]

Hi All,
I have a machine running on an AMD chip, it's about 6 years old now and runs on windows XP. I use it almost entirely for Photoshop and work, so I've never attached it to the net in a bid to keep it running fast, and is isn't much slower than it was years ago.
However I've recently had to get rid of my dying laptop and before I get a new one I need to use this machine to access my BT Wireless.
Should I get a PCI Wireless adapter or a USB one? Any advantage to either?
The machine will probably need updating via windows update, where should I start?
Thanks!

[spot]

If you can download service pack 3 offline update and burn it to a CD or put it on a memory stick before you connect the desktop to the web it'll be more protected. Install Avast or some other free resident virus checker as well off the same stick/CD.

http://www.microsoft.com/DownLoads/d...displaylang=en

http://free.avg.com/download?prd=afe

http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

PCI or USB will work if the router's in the same room. If you're hoping to punch through brick, plaster, stone or sheet steel walls then consider running an ethernet cable instead, it's a lot more reliable. I loathe wireless so you're allowed to ignore that bit of my advice.

[spot]

Oh... and if you've no more than 256MB of memory, buy whatever your motherboard will accept. It's cheap on eBay and it makes a huge difference to enjoying your computer.

[ralphp]

That's great thanks for the advice, I'll get on to the downloads!

[rbscooby]

yes please install XP SP3 before connecting to net especially if it has never been updated, there are vogue viruses out there, that although patched over on updates, are still deadly to the person who hasnt updated.

[philthomas]

If you go the wireless route, go for a PCI Wireless Card, rather than USB. This will not rely on the flakey USB interface/drivers and will be generally more reliable. Takes a little more time to fit, but worth it in the long run IMO.

[ralphp]

Again thanks for the advice, I'm thinking of a PCI card now!
Cheers

[rbscooby]

USB to me seems much easier, especially if your going through walls, seeing as you can put it on a usb extension and move it further away from your PC and have a chance of getting better signal,

[ralphp]

I've used a Sweex USB dongle in the past, I wasn't all that impressed with the connection which kept dropping in and out. Can you recommend any good wireless adapter USB/PCI?

[rbscooby]

that tottaly depends on sort of distance, and what it is going to be used for?

or is it just for connecting the machine to the net? how old is your wireless router?