The town I live in, installed free WIFI internet access a few years back. It covers the entire city. I finally got around to hooking up the Vista computer I bought about a month ago, which seems to be working fine, but keeps begging me for an internet connection for updates.
I haven't had any interest or need of networking, so never bothered to learn. Now, I'm faced with a need, and there seems to be a lot of choices, and not real sure about what I need.
First, to access the city's wireless network, I need an adapter card. I would also like to be able to transfer files from my XP computer, over to the VISTA, share the printers and scanner.
Could really use some tips on which companies are best, and which to avoid. Also need to know the minimal amount of equipment I'll need to purchase. Eventually the XP will most likely be retired, but it works, and is stable, and has about 40 gig of crap, which would take a long time to back up on CDs...
Anyway, for the wireless adapter, I'm thinking I should find something on a cable, since I'll need to be able to place the antenna several yards away from the computer. My house is concrete block, windows covered with metal screen. My computer desk is all metal, the desktop computer, actually sits on a metal shelf underneath. Will look around for the city's antennae when I walk my dog, remember one at the end of the block I live on.
The confusing part is all the terms, and not knowing which hardware is actually needed. Both computers have ethernet adapters built in, Firewire ports. Both Hp Pavilion. Not sure if this is of any use with the WIFI, or if I need a seperate adapter all together. Then, there are routers, access points, boosters and bridges... And several combinations.
Will probably get this all sorted out eventually, but figured there are probably a few people who know this stuff here.
I haven't had any interest or need of networking, so never bothered to learn. Now, I'm faced with a need, and there seems to be a lot of choices, and not real sure about what I need.
First, to access the city's wireless network, I need an adapter card. I would also like to be able to transfer files from my XP computer, over to the VISTA, share the printers and scanner.
Could really use some tips on which companies are best, and which to avoid. Also need to know the minimal amount of equipment I'll need to purchase. Eventually the XP will most likely be retired, but it works, and is stable, and has about 40 gig of crap, which would take a long time to back up on CDs...
Anyway, for the wireless adapter, I'm thinking I should find something on a cable, since I'll need to be able to place the antenna several yards away from the computer. My house is concrete block, windows covered with metal screen. My computer desk is all metal, the desktop computer, actually sits on a metal shelf underneath. Will look around for the city's antennae when I walk my dog, remember one at the end of the block I live on.
The confusing part is all the terms, and not knowing which hardware is actually needed. Both computers have ethernet adapters built in, Firewire ports. Both Hp Pavilion. Not sure if this is of any use with the WIFI, or if I need a seperate adapter all together. Then, there are routers, access points, boosters and bridges... And several combinations.
Will probably get this all sorted out eventually, but figured there are probably a few people who know this stuff here.