Calling all computer gurus

[juls64]

OK, my son got his laptop. It has a wireless card and bluetooth. I know nothing about how wireless works though. Does he need to get his own ISP and a wireless router? We have Comcast cable at home, not wireless though. Can he get a router and plug it in in his room at base at get online using our account somehow?

I am relatively computer literate, so if someone can give me a little direction, I am good at getting it figured out. Can he connect at WiFi hotspots, or is it still an ISP issue?

Thanks,

Julie

[MgicTwnger]

OK, my son got his laptop. It has a wireless card and bluetooth. I know nothing about how wireless works though. Does he need to get his own ISP and a wireless router? We have Comcast cable at home, not wireless though. Can he get a router and plug it in in his room at base at get online using our account somehow?

I am relatively computer literate, so if someone can give me a little direction, I am good at getting it figured out. Can he connect at WiFi hotspots, or is it still an ISP issue?

Thanks,

Julie
Juls,

You'll need a wireless router something like this one at Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5925403&type=product&id=1061127609500

You plug this into your cable connection and any computer with a wireless card can connect. Assuming that your present setup is one computer plugged into the cable connection, you'll need to get a wireless card for your computer also since the router will take the port it is presently connected to.
WiFi hotspots are mostly free and he will be able to connect.

[steve2281]

Mine isn't like Ken's; I'm not using a wireless card for my desktop. Connection runs phone line to DSL modem to router, then, the router sends the wireless signal BUT also has ports running out for a wired conection. It should work the same for a cable modem: the WIRED connection should run:cable to cable modem to router to desktop computer. The laptop will get the wireless signal as will any computer with a wireless card (if your desktop(s)) aren't sitting close to the router and modem.

Wal-Mart "Linksys" brand router works great for me; more than 100' range outside the house.

[juls64]

Hi Ken and Steve-

Ok, so he has a phone jack in his room on base. No cable. (He is at a naval base). He gets a router that plugs into a phone jack versus cable. Then, I suppose, he needs an ISP. It doesn't seem like he will be able to free load off of our Comcast with this set up, other than being able to check mail with his existing account. Maybe something like NetScape or NetZero.

Does this seem like I am on the right track?

Julie

[steve2281]

Hi Ken and Steve-

Ok, so he has a phone jack in his room on base. No cable. (He is at a naval base). He gets a router that plugs into a phone jack versus cable. Then, I suppose, he needs an ISP. It doesn't seem like he will be able to free load off of our Comcast with this set up, other than being able to check mail with his existing account. Maybe something like NetZero.

Does this seem like I am on the right track?

Julie

If he is at the Naval base (not living with you) he will have to have is own internet connection (or another wireless signal close by, any of his buddies running wireless??). Do they have DSL available????????? If they do, he will have to have a DSL modem and a wireless router. If they don't have DSL, he will have to use a dial-up connection; I THINK (not sure) that you cannot run a wireless router off a dial-up connection. I that is right, he will have to use the dial-up modem built into his computer by plugging the phone line directly into the laptop. SLOWWWW

[juls64]

If he is at the Naval base (not living with you) he will have to have is own internet connection (or another wireless signal close by, any of his buddies running wireless??). Do they have DSL available????????? If they do, he will have to have a DSL modem and a wireless router. If they don't have DSL, he will have to use a dial-up connection; I THINK (not sure) that you cannot run a wireless router off a dial-up connection. I that is right, he will have to use the dial-up modem built into his computer. SLOWWWW

The one guy with wireless shipped out. Apparently this guy plugged his router into the phone jack though.

OK, another possibility. He has bluetooth. If he had a cell phone with bluetooth, could he get connected that way?

Juls

[steve2281]

The one guy with wireless shipped out. Apparently this guy plugged his router into the phone jack though.

OK, another possibility. He has bluetooth. If he had a cell phone with bluetooth, could he get connected that way?

Juls

Bluetooth is over my head; don't know anything about it

[MgicTwnger]

The one guy with wireless shipped out. Apparently this guy plugged his router into the phone jack though.

OK, another possibility. He has bluetooth. If he had a cell phone with bluetooth, could he get connected that way?

Juls
It's possible, but a nightmare to set up. Essentially he would be using his cell phone like a dialup connection to connect to an ISP. Better just to use the modem in his laptop and plug into a phone jack. No need for the wireless stuff. And the things Steve told you are all correct.
If I were you I would call customer support at your cable company and let them figure the whole thing out. Naturally he would only be able to use your cable connection at your house, not on base or wherever.
Not to get nosy, but if he's not living at home why bother? He can check his mail from your computer.

[juls64]

He is in the Navy. He is currently at A-school at Great Lakes, which is close, but he can only come home on weekends. He will finish A-school next month then will be sent to who knows where. I'd like to get this all figured out, so when he goes I can e-mail him. I still send him snail mail, but modern technology is kind of nice.

I realize there will be different levels of internet access, depending on where he is stationed. I am trying to learn all I can to help advise him when he gets there. Also, I just like learning about it!

Sorry if I'm being a bother. I do appreciate your replies!:)


J.

[MgicTwnger]

Dumb question, but can't the Navy help him with internet access? I mean, everybody, especially people of his generation, use email.