New member Introduction

[erastus]

Hi

I am 69 years old and have been working with computers for about 20 years, but still consider myself a "Technophobe".
Technology advances too fast.
I found this site searching for info on setting up a router.
I have a six year old computer with Windows 98 and a Dell Inspiron 6000 lap top with Windows XP.

I need help setting up a router.

I would appreciate any help.


Thanks

Bruce

[WiFi.com]

Welcome aboard, Bruce. Im glad to have you with us, but not to happy about your router issue. Lets see what we can do...

First, I need to ask you a few questions and perhaps throw out a couple of assumptions:

1) What type of Internet connection do you have? i.e Dialup, Cable, DSL, Satellite, other.
2) Do you already have the router? If so, which manufacturer? i.e. Linksys, D-Link, Netgear, etc.
3) Do you want to connect both computers wirelessly, or just the laptop?
4) Where will the router be in relationship to the computers you would like to use wirelessly? i.e. the next room, a couple walls away (up to 100 ft), other side of the house (upto 300 ft), outside the house, etc.
5) What type of wireless card is installed on your Inspiron? I suspect it is this one: Intel 2200 b/g internal wireless card. Please confirm.

I would recommend not trying to connect the Windows 98 box wirelessly, but use one of the fixed ports available on the back of the router to connect direct (wired).

Ok, answer these questions for me, Doug, and I will try my best to help you out.

Regards,
Stuart.
WiFi.com

[erastus]

I am trying to post a message to Stuart but when I go to submit it says I am not logged on. I have register and logged on and have already posted .
Is there something wrong?

Bruce

[erastus]

Hi Stuart,

This is the 3rd time I am trying this. Hope it goes thru this time.

Thanks for Responding.

My answers to your Questions.

1.) My internet connection is Verizon DSL.
2.) No router yet. Have researched Belkin and Linksys on internet.
3.) My Windows 98 desktop is now connected to internet via a Westell 2200
modem supplied by Verizon. I would like to connect my laptop to the
internet using my current ISP. Thats my main desire. The Westell 2200
has a ethernet and a USB connector. I am using the USB as my desk top
does not have an ethernet connection.
4.) The computers will be on two different floors, the laptop directly above
and no more than 20' apart.
5.) The wireless card installed is a Intel Pro/wireless 2200, 802.11b/g as you
said.

Thanks for any help.

Bruce

[WiFi.com]

Sorry for the delayed response, Bruce..

Based on the information you have provided, I recommend the following:

1) Get the router - make sure it is "wireless." There are non-wireless routers.
2) Install the router next to your modem - You will plugging the CAT5 cable which should come with the router from your modem to the router. Follow the setup instructions carefully and you will have it up in about 30-60 minutes (after applying settings etc).
3) Once the router is up, boot up your laptop and Windows XP should find the wireless router signal automatically.

If it doesnt, let me know.