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More => Old Versions => Media Center 11 (Development Ended) => Topic started by: WolfWalker on July 13, 2006, 01:07:22 pm

Title: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: WolfWalker on July 13, 2006, 01:07:22 pm

I just purchased this new laptop http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7889314&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat64400050005&id=1149206842590  (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7889314&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat64400050005&id=1149206842590) to go along with my Dell desktop.  I want to surf wireless with the HP.  How would I go about this?

What equipment do I need?
How do I set it up?

I have Comcast and do not want to give them any more money.

Title: Re: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: glynor on July 13, 2006, 01:47:31 pm

You'll need a Wireless router.  Linksys makes some semi-decent ones. (http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1133202177241&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper)  (If you get this one, make sure to get the "L" version, rather than just the WRT45G (no L) version, which is craptastic.)

Generally they are quite plug and play as long as you don't care about securing the network (if it's cool with you that other people may use your wireless connection out on the street).  If you need to secure it, they generally take a bit more configuration.

Comcast should have nothing to do with it.

A good place to look for networking information is on the Broadband Reports forums (http://www.broadbandreports.com/).

Title: Re: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: jgreen on July 14, 2006, 12:30:49 am

Wolf--
I recently bought this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=HXPT1FLSCS1I1KC4D3EVAFY?skuId=7768784&type=product&productCategoryId=cat15107&id=1142288702850

Before you go giving Comcast or even Linksys any money, try pressing the wireless connectivity button (just below the HP logo at the base of your screen.  The info that you'll see there will tell you whether you have to spend ANY money, ever again. 

As the Bible says, love thy neighbor.

Title: Re: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: JimH on July 14, 2006, 06:41:28 am

Quote from: jgreen on July 14, 2006, 12:30:49 am

As the Bible says, love thy neighbor.

And borrow His Her wireless connection?

Title: Re: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: jgreen on July 14, 2006, 10:58:04 am

JimH, I am shocked--shocked!

FWIW, I signed up for the Verizon EVDO service.  $50/month and you get internet anywhere you can get cell phone signal.  With a strong signal it is the speed of basic DSL.  With a weak or intermittant signal it is slightly better than dialup.  So last month when I was complaining about the speed of my connection, I was camped out in a tent in the snow 9,000 feet up the side of a mountain, running on battery power.

Title: Re: OT - New laptop networking how do I
Post by: glynor on July 14, 2006, 12:13:53 pm

My neighbors are welcome to (and do) use my wireless connection.  In fact, every so often someone will stop their car across the street and I see a little laptop lid open up.

More power to them, I say.  If I didn't want to share for some weird reason, I'd secure it.