Wireless modem help...

[Taz]

Our ISP has kindly given us a wireless modem. I would like to connect 2 computers (desktops) to this. What do I need to do to these comps as they are no currently wireless enabled. Is it just a simple fix such as installing a wireless PCI card into each? If so any recommendations on which card or are they all pretty much the same? Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Andy.

[scracha]

Our ISP has kindly given us a wireless modem. I would like to connect 2 computers (desktops) to this. What do I need to do to these comps as they are no currently wireless enabled. Is it just a simple fix such as installing a wireless PCI card into each? If so any recommendations on which card or are they all pretty much the same? Any help appreciated.
Thanks
Andy.

You don't have to go wireless unless you want to. Yep, PCI card is the way to go as the USB ones are generally $hite and prone to snapping :-) I mostly use TP-Link and D-link ones as they seem to work with pretty much everything and don't $hit themselves like some other brands that rhyme with stinksys and azus. WPA-PSK of 14 characters long is pretty safe and works with most (AES, WPA2 can cause compatibility probs).

[Taz]

You don't have to go wireless unless you want to. Yep, PCI card is the way to go as the USB ones are generally $hite and prone to snapping :-) I mostly use TP-Link and D-link ones as they seem to work with pretty much everything and don't $hit themselves like some other brands that rhyme with stinksys and azus. WPA-PSK of 14 characters long is pretty safe and works with most (AES, WPA2 can cause compatibility probs).

Hey thanks. Wireless just seemed an easy way to get both ours and the kids pc's both online seeing as the modem was no charge. What should I be paying for these cards?

[scracha]

Hey thanks. Wireless just seemed an easy way to get both ours and the kids pc's both online seeing as the modem was no charge. What should I be paying for these cards?

http://ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=344872

If kiddies into fast online gaming then best link them up to modem with cat5e cables (about $1.50 per metre) or spend lots of money on "N" type wireless modem. Touch a metal waterpipe before installing card on the slim chance you may bugger it up with static.

[Gremlin]

Any normal wireless network is most likely going to be faster than your internet connection.

If you are using the network internally, then gigabit cabling is cheap and easy (provided your computers can handle it)

[davebullet]

I got an Edimax b/g wireless card from Ascent for $30 - works well. I think they've sold out though. I run it on the kids Windows 98SE machine, although it only supports WEP (good enough - especially if you lock down to MAC address and don't broadcast your SSID).

I would also recommend a wireless card with a separate antenna - so you can position for best signal (and get it away from cabling / power etc...)

Dave.

[Lias]

http://ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=344872

If kiddies into fast online gaming then best link them up to modem with cat5e cables (about $1.50 per metre) or spend lots of money on "N" type wireless modem. Touch a metal waterpipe before installing card on the slim chance you may bugger it up with static.

Or get the same card here (http://www.uec.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25053) at half the price.

Ascent have horrible pricing. It's like buying from dick smiths.
Use http://www.pricespy.co.nz/ to find cheaper pricing.

Also re static: better than touching a water pipe, simply keep the power supply plugged in whilst working on the PC, and hold the metal case with one hand to ground yourself.

[scracha]

Or get the same card here (http://www.uec.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25053) at half the price.

Ascent have horrible pricing.


Sorry, I use wholesalers so not really up to date on which retail outlets are the cheapest. There's a lot to be said for places that always post stuff so that it arrives first thing next morning (even down here in the wop wops) and who can speak English when dealing with returns or other issues.



Also re static: better than touching a water pipe, simply keep the power supply plugged in whilst working on the PC, and hold the metal case with one hand to ground yourself.
For sure, but I'm not going to advise anyone not used to working with PC's to open up the case and work on it when it's connected to the mains. Although slim, there is a chance of getting a shock from a farked up and badly earthed power supply. Joe Public don't carry anti-static mats so the safest method is the water pipe.

[Taz]

All sorted now. Both PC's up and working good. The kids love me. Thanks all for the help.