Changing to WIFI
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Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 10:41 AM
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However, we are thinking of getting a laptop for use downstairs. This will mean that I have to change to a WIFI modem. Unfortunately, I know nothing about WIFI and networking. Googling and reading the PlusNet Thompson installation notes hasn''t made things clearer for me. At 80 years of age, the old brain is very sluggish! So I have a few very basic questions, please.
Is the Plusnet's Thompson Router capable of running both wired and wireless together, or is it an either/or situation? If it was both, I could keep cable connections for the desktop and use wireless for the laptop.
If I have to use wireless with the desktop, will I need to buy a wireless adaptor (dongle?) to plug into either the Ethernet socket or one of the USB sockets of my desktop. Does Plusnet supply these adaptors? If not, which adaptor do you suggest I buy?
I have seen great stress laid on making the wireless link secure, including using a frequency which none of my neighbours use. There's no way I can go round all my neighbours asking if they use WIFI, and if so, what frequency!!
Finally, in a previous thread, JoJo said that a user could pay for his Thompson router's post and packing with a credit card. I pay by Direct Debit. So, for me, would the cost just be added to my next Direct Debit payment, or will I have to pay by credit card?
Many thanks for any help.
Keith
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 10:57 AM
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Quote Is the Plusnet's Thompson Router capable of running both wired and wireless together, or is it an either/or situation?
It can run both!
Quote I have seen great stress laid on making the wireless link secure, including using a frequency which none of my neighbours use.
You don't need to worry about what frequency the wireless will use; that has no impact on security. All you need to do is to set up WPA2 encryption on the router, which is usually just a matter of selecting a value on a drop-down list. I am not familiar with the Thomson but it will be easy to do.
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 11:22 AM
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Running combinations of wired and wireless is perfectly normal. The big difference being as you have found the wired PC doesn't need security so should just plug and go. The wireless will need secured, WPA2 is the best option so you need to set this in wireless section of the router interface by logging into it first. Pick a key with random numbers and letters rather than names, dictionary words. Then it's just a case of setting your wireless laptop to have the same WPA2 encryption on and using the same key to connect and your away.
If your pc is near the router and your happy with the cable there is no need for this to be on wireless. If so there are wireless adapters that can be bought from most places that will either just plug right into the USB port or fit inside on the actual board.
I can't speak for individual cases but PN just added the router in my case to my direct debit.
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 1:03 PM
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Some of the earlier version might not handle Wifi except with special software from the suppliers of the PC Wifi network card. Recent stuff like Vista and Win 7 will give you no problem. XP is usually ok.
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 1:44 PM
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Quote However, we are thinking of getting a laptop for use downstairs.
I hope a new one doesn't come with windows 95 pre-installed I get the impression the OP only wanted to know if they had to put the desktop so probably isn't going to now they know there's no need.
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 2:03 PM
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Thank you both for your very clear and concise replies. They have clarified things considerably and I can go ahead with the change feeling better about it.
I will keep the desktop as a wired connection. A wireless link over a distance of three feet does seem to be a bit of 'overkill'!
AlaricAdair.
Thank you too for your reply. The desktop is running Windows7, as I assume the laptop will be. Haven't yet decided which one we are going to buy. Wish I was still running XP, but that's another story.
Thanks again, all.
Keith.
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 3:18 PM
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My mum recently upgraded to windows7 from XP and she's been very frustrated with it. As I keep telling her, stick with it and you'll soon get used to it. Setting up wireless is a lot more simple than it sounds, but if you do come across any difficulties then we'll be here to help you out.
Jojo
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 3:42 PM
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Thanks for your post.
We're due to look round on Thursday and see what laptops are available in our price bracket. If we decide, I'll order a Thompson from you.
Don't want to hijack this thread into a 7 versus XP one, so I'll keep my criticisms very brief.
I felt that I could get 'under the hood' far more with XP. For me, there is too much hand-holding with 7. "Mummy says you must do this", "Mummy won't let you touch that", "Do as Mummy tells you and don't argue" and so on.
Round here, Doctor, Dentist, Bank, Building Society, shops, are all still using XP. Not seen any of them using 7.
Been running Windows7 for two and a half years, so I've stuck with it!
I've said enough!
Cheers.
Keith
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 3:54 PM
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To argue with someone who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead - Thomas Paine
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 4:01 PM
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I'm very interested in the opinions of win7 v XP, so, especially for you, I've started a thread so we can talk about it a bit more and see what other people think.
Jojo
p.s. I saw the url fail, Strat
Re: Changing to WIFI
12-07-2011 5:08 PM
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To argue with someone who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead - Thomas Paine
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