New to networking !

[Mike]

Hi all

I am sorry if these questions seem simple but I am totally new to networking :

My current set up in

Old PC on windows XP
New laptop windows 7
Cable 50MBps
D-link DR-615 'thingy in line' think thats my router ?

I would like to upgrade my old PC to a new dell desl top Inspiron 560 or 570with windows 7. My first question is should I upgrade the dell with a wireless card inside or buy something which plugs in (Is this called an adapter ?) Any recommendations

If so I guess my modem plugs into the D link thingy and sends siginals to the laptop and new dell pc. Is there any limitation on the siginal ie getting something with can handle 50mbps as I don't want to have high speed if the wireless is then weak.

Final question with the old pc can I simply buy an adapters so it can access the internet and will not be part of the home network as it's not windows 7.

Hope this all makes sense and I would be grateful for any views or comments.

Many thanks for your time and regards

Mike

[Kymmy]

In the end it's personal choice and whether you want cables going round the house or not

Any wired/wireless card will gain you internet access via the router and XP (or any other OS) is perfectly capable of working via the internet..

As far as speed the N router should be able to cope with 50Mbps and if in doubt then go for the wired option as that is 100Mbps per line.. Either way it should be OK

having an XP machine and 2 Win 7 machines matters not to the network. I have 2 xp machines 1 win 7 machine a PS3 a Samsung Omnia and 2 ipod touch's on my network

I believe all the pcs using wireless will need to be fitted with N adapters or the system will default back to G( not 100%on this)

[Mike]

What is the difference between a Router and an adapter also do you get some are combined ?

Thanks

Mike

[Dai]

Originally Posted by Mike

What is the difference between a Router and an adapter also do you get some are combined ?

Thanks

Mike

The router is a base station, wired to the cable modem and to the internet.

Adaptors would be fitted to your computers, either USB dongles or cards. These are the remote end of the system which then connect wirelessly to the router. The router manages these connections, handing out IP addresses to each of the connected computers and managing their shared connection to the internet.

Hope that helps a bit.