Wireless query

[Nugget]

Hi guys

I'm having an absolute thicko evening - can anyone tell me how / if I can find out if my computer is ready for wireless? If I had any hair left, I'd be tearing it out becuase I just can't remember where to find out.

TIA

[Paul K]

What PC is it? Most desktops would need a PCI wireless adaptor card or a USB wireless adaptor plugged into them but then again most Wireless routers have ethernet ports too

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Paul

What PC is it? Most desktops would need a PCI wireless adaptor card or a USB wireless adaptor plugged into them but then again most Wireless routers have ethernet ports too

And now you know why I'm getting confused

It's a HP Pavillion but, other than that, I can't remember without checking the box in the loft

[MadGamer]

Originally Posted by Nugget

And now you know why I'm getting confused

It's a HP Pavillion but, other than that, I can't remember without checking the box in the loft

Check in the System Properties. (Windows Key & Pause Break Key pressed together)

[Paul K]

What network devices have you got listed in your hardware devices (Right click my computer, properties, hardware, device manager) and in your Network connections list?

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by Nugget

Hi guys

I'm having an absolute thicko evening

Normal evening then

[Paul K]

Could always download and install/ run Everest
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

[Cobbydaler]

Check in control panel ---> network

See if it says you have a wireless NIC

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Paul

What network devices have you got listed in your hardware devices (Right click my computer, properties, hardware, device manager) and in your Network connections list?

Well, the only network stuff I can see in hardware devices are:

1394 Network Adaptor, and
Realtek Family Fast Ethernet

Now I'm even more confused

[Wicked_and_Crazy]

Originally Posted by Nugget

Well, the only network stuff I can see in hardware devices are:

1394 Network Adaptor, and
Realtek Family Fast Ethernet

Now I'm even more confused

looks like youve got a firewire port and an ethernet port

I'd hardwire an ethernet cable to a router if i were you. The PCI wireless cards ive used have been rubbish

[Paul K]

No wireless there then, 1394 is firewire and the realtek is your standard ethernet adaptor.

---------- Post added at 21:07 ---------- Previous post was at 21:07 ----------

Any model number information on your system properties screen or on the computer anywhere?

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Paul

Any model number information on your system properties screen or on the computer anywhere?

Unfortunately not - I've even checked to make sure that the box wasn't dumped in another room while we've been decorating, but it's definitely in the loft, dammit

Any suggestions on an adaptor?

[Paul K]

Normally there is a sticker or label with PC model details on the back or bottom of the pc casing. Have you got a wireless router already? If so what make and model

[Nugget]

Originally Posted by Paul

Normally there is a sticker or label with PC model details on the back or bottom of the pc casing. Have you got a wireless router already? If so what make and model

Dunno if it's the right one, but Pavilion A1000, I think (and blimey, that unit's heavy )

The only thing I've got that's technically wireless (but not yet, obviously), is the BT Home Hub - I'm looking at moving the computer after Christmas (cos the tree's going in the space I want), but thought I'd get it set up beforehand

[Paul K]

Does it look like this?
If so you don't have any wireless adaptors in it but you should get away with just a basic USB wireless adaptor to be honest.

---------- Post added at 21:27 ---------- Previous post was at 21:24 ----------

Something like this
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/75646
or this if you are ok with opening the case to fit a card
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/50127/rb/23566357929
should work ok with the BT wireless hub or if you are feeling flush you can buy one from BT for a lot more money