Wifi query

[Dick Dastardly]

Hi. Took the plunge yestersay and ordered a wifi enabled notebook.

It'll come with 'Vista Premium' on, whilst i plan to keep using my 'XP' enabled PC.

My ISP is AOL with which i have had no bother on a broadband connection for 3-4 years now (wow )....

Questions are these:
1.What wireless router do i need to use both off?
2. Will it be a seamless transition?
3. Is one brand the same as any other etc....?
4. Do i need to buy the router off my ISP?

Any other things i need to know please tell. Numpty at work.....

 

[scud]

Hi. Took the plunge yestersay and ordered a wifi enabled notebook.

It'll come with 'Vista Premium' on, whilst i plan to keep using my 'XP' enabled PC.

My ISP is AOL with which i have had no bother on a broadband connection for 3-4 years now (wow )....

Questions are these:
1.What wireless router do i need to use both off?
2. Will it be a seamless transition?
3. Is one brand the same as any other etc....?
4. Do i need to buy the router off my ISP?

Any other things i need to know please tell. Numpty at work.....

1. Any wireless router SHOULD do.. although I have come across more problems with some Netgear Wireless routers than any other make... although they are a major manfacturer.

2. Let me think about this... you have Vista, AOL and are going wireless. IMHO, probably the worst combination in the world!... but IF it works first time, it will be seamless.

3. Pretty much, especially if you are just using 1 or 2 computers to join the internet at home.

4. NO!! I have previously asked my ISPs to provide me with a FREE WiFi router to remain with them. I have been successful, but others have had varied responses.
Taking into account answer 1 & 2, if you had to buy one, get it local, so if you have ANY problems, you can take the router back with the laptop and test it in the shop. If it is a problem connecting to the router, then you can change it straight away for another brand/model

When you set up the router make sure it is SECURITY ENABLED. This should prevent the casual passer by (or your neighbours) using your ISP connection to download all their hacked movies etc!

Oh Yeah, if you want the old XP computer to be further away from the Router than the lead allows, buy a USB WiFi dongle off fleabay. Then you can put the router somewhere in the house (phone connection permitting) that gives the best signal to all the rooms that you might want to use the laptop in.

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Scud, you're a star. Thanks for taking the time for such an in-depth answer.