Hi,

First of all, I'm ever so sorry if the questions I'm about to ask have already been answered in other posts, I'm just such a novice to all of this that it all sounds like a foreign language to me!

Anywho, I have just received a second PC from a friend, and would like to connect said PC to the internet. However, I don't have internet in the room in which the second computer is placed, therefore, I'm assuming I need a wi-fi connection, unless I want wires trailing through my house (which I don't!).

My current setup is as follows.

Original Computer:
- Virgin Media "M" (up to 2Mb/s, as it says on the site)
- Motorola SB5101E SURFboard Cable Modem attached to the computer and the wall, and is where I get my broadband from I'm assuming?

Second Computer
- Well, nothing.

I was wondering what I need to purchase in order to connect to the internet on the second computer without having to have Virgin Media come and drill some holes in my wall. I've also got a Nintendo Wii, which I would be glad to be able to use in the same way.

So, if someone would be so kind, could you tell me what I need to purchase in order to get the internet on both computers, if that is indeed possible, and if so, where it will need to go?

Thanks ever so much for your time. I'm really grateful!

Doctoracula.

Quite a few guides here:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...reless+network

And here:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...reless+network

Ok, first you are going to have to make a decision and some purchases. Your Motorola Surfboard only has 1 broadband connection on it, So you will need to hook this device up to a wireless router (this is where the purchasing comes in) Once you have a wireless router, you will need to run an ethernet jumper cable from the router into your original PC.

Now that you have the wireless router, you will need a wireless network card installed on the 2nd machine (More purchasing, unless you can find a package deal with a wireless router that comes with a card.)

After doing some quick looking, new wireless equipment will probably run you $50.00 for a basic wireless router, and probably $70.00 - $80.00 for a wireless network card that will also need installing on the 2nd machine.

*Note: I did a quick search and result are in Canadian Dollars as well, so if you are in the US might find things a little cheaper.

Thanks for the responses, I already feel like a huge weight has been lifted off me!

The wireless network card, will that require me to take my computer apart or can it just be slotted in the back as easily as slotting in a USB cable?

But other than that, I think I got it now. Once again, incredibly grateful. Lets just hope one day I'll be whizz enough to know how to guide someone else!

(Oh, and when I saw the $50 and the $70-$80, I almost fainted, then realised you were talking in dollars, not pounds. Aaaand Relax!)

well, depending on what brand name of router you buy, Dlink and Linksys are 2 popular brands in Canada, but usually adapter are available in USB and PCI. If its USB, it will be a external unit that stands/sits on the desk, very small and wont require you to open the PC up.

If you get a PCI wireless card, you will have to open the PC up and install it into the slot on the motherboard. Pending on brandname and if they support both wireless types, you should be safe to go with USB, just from personal experience, i recommend getting corresponding brand names when you buy the router and wireless card.

The Techy's @ the computer store you purchase it from will understand what you need if you tell them you need a wireless router and wireless card(preferably USB for you)

check out a few websites of stores close to you to compare prices as well before you decide to buy anything aswell, and see if theres any sales on as well.

Thanks for that JMS. I think I'll take your advice and head to PC World and let the techy's deal with the rest!

Jephree, thanks for the link too, I've found a good, simple guide to setting it up.. it's in terms that even I can understand!

Thanks once again!

doctoracula

Righto. Last time, I promise, I bet you guys are getting sick of me now!

I've had a look at some routers and an adapter, and I'm thinking that this is all I'll need.. (Buffalo are the recommended company for my Wii, apparently, so I did a search on them.)

Router -

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=3848

Adapter thingy -

http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/Shop...ProductID=4086

Will this be okay for what I need?

I promise you guys, last time I bother you!

Yes, This should get you going, once you get the router and everything setup, use the setup disc for both the router and USB wireless card, more importantly, the USB one as it will need software for it to function properly, where as the router will come in a default state and should work out of the box. Pending on your ISP, you may need to call them and get them to clear the IP address on the Cable modem before the router will obtain an IP from it (At least, thats the way the cable company i work for operates)

Cheers

P.S. No bother, thats what D-a-l.com is here for

Excellent. I'm chuffing grateful for all the help. And I'm going to go to sleep now with the peace of mind that I know what I'm doing now!

Thanks again, goodnight!