New Computer
 

I have an old PC still running Windows XP, SP3 with perfection may I add. It is hooked up to a USB Ethernet modem. My XP is not wireless enabled, in fact there is no wireless network adaptor icon shown in Device Manager. I will keep this PC untouched and running.

I intend to buy a brand new PC complete with Windows 10. The set is wireless enabled. It will be located 4 - 5 feet away from my existing PC.

I have just phoned my broadband provider Virgin Media and asked if my modem is wireless enabled and supports WiFi.

I was told explicitly that my existing modem is wireless enabled for WiFi and that if I enter the modem details into my new computers network, it will be up and running on the Internet and all else.
All that will be needed is a power supply, no other connections.

Is this correct ?

Re: New Computer
 

Yes - you will need to log on to the modem wifi network from your new pc.

Re: New Computer
 

There is no "modem" that supports wireless. What VM kit have you actually got and why would you need a power supply?

Re: New Computer
 

It's probably his term for whichever VM Hub he has.

Re: New Computer
 

"There is no "modem" that supports wireless" - Oh yes there is.

I need a power supply because the new desktop does not run on batteries.

Re: New Computer
 

Really?


---------- Post added at 15:16 ---------- Previous post was at 15:15 ----------

Name one.

Re: New Computer
 

Virgin told me that my modem is wireless enabled and can be used in harmony with other WiFi equipment. That is good enough for me and I will not enter into an argument about terminology.

Perhaps it is a modem, a router or a modem/router - I could not care less.
If Virgin told me my "modem" is a WiFi enabled device, then it is and that is all I care about, not its correct name. I will have to accept Virgin's information until I prove it wrong.

Re: New Computer
 

how long have you had this modem? there may be some confusion as what you have.
Years and years ago, I had a virgin modem, that connected to the PC (and later a router) via a cable, it had no wireless.

All the newer modem/routers they supply are wireless.

so maybe you have one of the old style ones, and the operator didn't realise that, or you have a newer one, but that would be connected via Ethernet rather than usb.

it's probably easiest to post a photo, or model number, and then we'll know for sure.

Re: New Computer
 

Your points are very valid, I have had my modem for years, you could be right.
If I find that my modem is NOT a wireless enabled one, I will demand a new modern modem that is.

---------- Post added at 17:03 ---------- Previous post was at 16:37 ----------

Here is my modem -
.
https://i.imgur.com/wR2LOl1.jpg

Re: New Computer
 

Looks like my SH1. It can be a modem or a wireless router / modem combo.

It has "modem mode" where the router and wireless is inactive and allows you to use your own kit which is what I do.

Re: New Computer
 

You're terribly rude when someone is trying to help.

You have a Superhub 1 which is a modem/router which has wifi when in router mode and it is connected via ethernet not USB, you said you had a modem and Virgin did supply modem only equipment donkeys years ago which did not have wifi so pips response was perfectly valid.

You also dont need a power supply as obviously it already has one.

Re: New Computer
 

@SnoopZ

"You have a Superhub 1 which is a modem/router which has wifi when in router mode and it is connected via ethernet "
So I do have Wifi. The power supply I mentioned was for my new PC not the modem. The new PC will not have a modem, it will operate on Wifi.

Going through cmd.exe and ipconfig, the panel says -

Ethernet adapter Local Area Connection 4

Is that OK for Wifi ?
How do I tell what mode my modem/router is in ?

Re: New Computer
 

If your new computer is a desktop pc then it is unlikely to be wifi enabled and you would need some kind of a wifi adaptor to connect to the internet.

If your new computer is a Laptop then it will have built in wifi.

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Re: New Computer
 

@SnoopZ

HP 21.5 Inch Celeron 4GB 2TB All-in-One Desktop PC.
ABOUT THIS PRODUCT -

Interfaces and connectivity:-
3-in-1 media card reader.
2 x USB 2.0 ports.
2 x USB 3.0 ports.
Ethernet port.
1 HDMI port.
Bluetooth.
Wireless/Wi-Fi enabled. <==== How about this then ?

All the selection shown are wireless enabled. It seems to be the norm.

Re: New Computer
 

Deleted your answer, i don't like your tone. :td:

Re: New Computer
 

Love you Pip
xxxx

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Surely new desktop/all in one computers will have wi fi built in these days without the need for a wi fi adaptor?.I will be looking for a new computer soon and hope I do not need any wi fi adaptor of any sort.

Re: New Computer
 

I think a lot of modern motherboards still don't have wifi capability built in. It's relatively easy to install an internal card or use a dongle but it still seems crazy that all modern boards don't have wifi as standard.

Re: New Computer
 

I would think the issue is that most desktops are in metal case so an antenna on the Mobo wouldn't get out.

My laptop, that uses a metal chassies and part casing, has the WiFi antenna built round the edge of the screen.

Re: New Computer
 

My daughter's 3 year old PC has a wifi aerial on the back, and an extension lead came with it so that the aerial could be located up to a metre away.

Re: New Computer
 

All in one computer should be fine then as they seem to be all plastic casings.

Re: New Computer
 

Frankly I'm confused why the OP keeps wittering on about wireless in any case, he's currently using Ethernet over USB on his existing PC and the new one, like all PC's since about 1988 has an Ethernet port, so why all the angst over wi-fi when he'll be using Ethernet anyway - with a bonus that he won't need the USB adaptor.

Re: New Computer
 

All solved. My new PC is now working perfectly using WiFi.

Thank you all for the advice and some for their unnecessary provocative comments, but the Forum was of great help in giving me positive guidance.
I am not a computer buff in terms of cyber functional gymnastics, but am a veteran of 14 years computer operations and of moderate technical knowledge. I can cope with reasonably easy technical computer situations.

The setting up of the new PC went like a dream.

Thank you everybody for your help.

Re: New Computer
 

Does your new PC not have an Ethernet port?

Re: New Computer
 

All has been revealed.

My modem/router is a WiFi. I entered my VM details in the request panel of my new computer and it flew immediately. It is working on WiFi to perfection. Just a single power cable.

I have now joined the modern world after 14 years using XP and am delighted.

I would like to thank all the respondents who have helped me constructively on this thread and bid those who submitted unnecessary and derogatory remarks to have a nice day.

Re: New Computer
 

No one has been negative, we're just a bit puzzled why you would use Wi-Fi on a desktop PC with an Ethernet port that will run a lot faster/more reliably with the Ethernet lead than it ever would on wireless.

Your hub (that thing you think is a modem but isn't) even has 4 Ethernet ports on it for you to use

Re: New Computer
 

We'll see.

Re: New Computer
 

Hehe yes, Superhub ONE wasn't it? I hope the OP has got his PC right next to it, cause the Wi-Fi on those are shocking and the range drops off alarming fast with any distance.

Re: New Computer
 

I have already seen and am delighted.
My new PC works impeccably on WiFi about 5 feet away from my "modem"(pleased I give you all a good laugh) OK - Superhub 1 if that suits you better.

Oddly enough the speed is incredible - very fast.

So again I am grateful for the help that some posters gave me and over-the-moon with the WiFi and speed performance.

Oh I forgot - why have an unsightly USB cable to my desktop when with WiFi all I have is a single power cable, no matter how many USB sockets my "modem" has got.

Re: New Computer
 

Errr those are ethernet sockets or more correctly, ports.

If you don't know the difference then just carry on, I don't care as long as you are happy.

Re: New Computer
 

I forget if shub1 has gigabit ethernet ports if it does on the bundle that beaker is on, his wifi may 'look' nicer (not sure how an ethernet lead is unsightly but...) but it won't be as fast as a wired connection. So he's paying for a service and then restricting the performance and speed available for the sake of looking nice.

I don't get the obsession with Wi-Fi on anything that isn't a phone or tablet personally, ho hum.

Re: New Computer
 

Thanks for that techguyone.
All major manufacturers enable a range of their desktops with WiFi and USB. They would not invest their time and money on a design concept that was of no use. Not everybody on Planet Earth wishes to have a USB cable snaking all over their lounge carpet.

I know it may hurt, but my Wifi desktop is performing impeccably in all respects. I am not restricting a single aspect of this superb set and reckon I have got top value for money and performance.
Looking nice ? It sure does, aesthetic magnificence.

Re: New Computer
 

OK. I give up, you clearly understand computers far more than me. :rolleyes:

Just do me one favour though, for the freaking love of God stop referring to Ethernet as USB you completely destroy any credibility you know the first thing about anything with electronics when you persist in this.

Your old crappy XP computer used a USB dongle to connect to the Internet via Ethernet. Because your old computer had no dedicated Ethernet port it wasn't a 'USB' connection, just a electronic bodge to get round the lack of ethernet port.

Ethernet
noun: Ethernet; plural noun: Ethernets
a system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local area network, with protocols to control the passing of information and to avoid simultaneous transmission by two or more systems.

USB
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a common interface that enables communication between devices and a host controller such as a personal computer (PC). It connects peripheral devices such as digital cameras, mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, media devices, external hard drives and flash drives.

Ethernet isn't scary, it's easier to use than Wi-Fi no password or worrying about antenna/signal strength etc, you literally plug one end of the lead into the back of your computer (yes yes I know, it destroys your Feng shui feeling you have going) and the other end into the modem... err Superhub1

Woosh like magic you're connected - fancy that.

Anyways... I get the feeling I'm not getting through, so enjoy your WiFi computing...

I'm out.

Re: New Computer
 

I'm not sure I like your tone. My "old crappy" XP computer had an ethernet connection.;)
In fact when VM first brought out 50Mb as their top tier BB a vast majority of customers had XP PC's. The problem was natively XP couldn't go faster than (IIRC) 20Mb without a tweak to the TCP setting which was an easy fix using https://www.speedguide.net/downloads.php.

My even older Win98 PC had one as well.

Doesn't explain the OP not knowing the difference.

Good to know he's leaving himself wide open to hacking using a wireless connection though. He's a prime target for a MITM attack. He'll fall for it straight away.:D

Re: New Computer
 

Auf Wiedersehen everybody, have a nice day.

I wish you all a Very Merry Christmas, I will certainly have one with my super-duper WiFi PC, plus my old and trusted XP as a steadfast reserve plaything.

Bye

Re: New Computer
 

Bye.

Re: New Computer
 

Hopefully he won't come back, such a rude person, then he blames other people in this thread lol.

Re: New Computer
 

Have a poor Christmas Snoopo, my best wishes to all the others -

https://www.cableforum.uk/images/local/2018/12/1.gif

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Some people don't like to see unnecessary cabling. Also, depending on physical circumstances, Ethernet, while desirable, may not be practical. For instance, I prefer to use Ethernet, but haven't implemented it all over the house because I do not want cables running all over the house, and don't want the disruption caused by fitting proper sockets in every room. It's something I'll likely look at again when I eventually get round to rewiring the electrical sockets.