Question about wireless adapter thingies.

I'm moving into a place with a wireless network. I have a Dell Desktop and am wondering what I should buy to make the network accessible to my computer. All help is appreciated.

Edit: I know what I should buy (a wireless card, or whatever). I'm looking for specific product recommendations. Bonus points to anything that I can just plug into the USB port (assuming I can do that).

[Edited on Aug 24, 2005 by robosagogo]

well, let's see. i know linksys makes usb network adapters.. so it's pretty much plug n play.

i assume you're using winxp.. the only linksys adapters i've found use 2000, but they've been proven to work with xp.

You should buy an adapter from the same manufacturer as your wireless router. While an off-brand adapter will probably work, buying from the same manufacturer guarantees the highest bandwidth and best connection.

Source

You should probably only buy a USB wireless adapter if your computer has USB 2.0. Most computers manufactured in the last few years have USB 2.0, but if you are uncertain you should check the Dell website for your specific PC model to determine whether you have USB 2.0.

You should also make sure that your wireless adapter is 802.11b and g compatible. Most are nowadays.

I have a D-Link PCI wireless card (the cheapest one I could find) and it works just fine.

I followed the instructions on the Dell website to find out if I have USB 2.0, but the directions (right-click my computer and select manage or enter BIOS work) don't lead to the information. My computer had to be formatted by my university and I didn't have any of my start-up disks and had to buy a new copy of XP, so maybe that caused a problem?

My computer dates back to when they were playing that song by Jimmy Eat World ("In the Middle") on the radio, so I'd say it's nearly 4 years old or so based on the cds release date. Would that make my comp too old to have USB 2.0?

If I got an adapter that doesn't go into the USB port, would it be hard for me to install it? I know nothing about computers and lack the motor skills required to color within the lines.

[Edited on Aug 25, 2005 by robosagogo]

How to check for USB 2.0 support.

Do you know which Windows XP Service Pack Level is installed? Have you upgraded to at least Service Pack 1 or 2?

To check, right click on the My Computer icon (in the upper-left-hand corner of your desktop or on the Start menu) and select Properties. Read the lines between System: and Registered to:.

You need to have at least Service Pack 1 installed to add USB 2.0 support. Having Service Pack 2 installed is highly recommended, though.

If you do not have USB 2.0 in your computer by default, you could purchase a PCI USB 2.0 adapter card, but installing that would be as difficult as installing a PCI wireless adapter. Of course, I have difficulty coloring between the lines, but can build computers just fine, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. These adapters have detailed instruction manuals to help you install the cards.

One important thing to note though is that you need to have a free PCI slot (adapter slot) to install the adapter. There are utilities that you could install to tell you this, or you could simply open the computer case and peek inside.

*Edited for content*

[Edited on Aug 25, 2005 by Holden_Caulfield]

I have Service Pack 1 and, apparently, do not have USB 2.0. I guess I'll have to get a PCI wireless adapter. How do I know if I have a free adapter slot?

You *really* should upgrade to Service Pack 2. It will make your computer run more smoothly and also make it much safer and secure. Of course, if you do update to Service Pack 2, you'll probably need to update some other applications on your computer, but that isn't really too difficult. It's just a matter of visiting the manufacturer's websites and downloading updates. To upgrade to Service Pack 2, visit here.

To determine whether you have available PCI slots, download and install this. Run the program and double-click on mainboard. Scroll down until you see Slots Information.

My slots are free and I'm downloading Service Pack 2. Thanks for your help.

installing a network adapter is pretty simple. it's a matter of opening up the case, and popping in the network card in the right slot. then installing drivers.. yada yada yada..

if anything, you should ask around locally for someone who can install it for you, if you're worried about messing anything up.

My natural anti-social tendencies will probably overcome any fear I have of screwing up my computer.

You're welcome!

If you have any more questions, you can always ask in the SG PC Users Group.

There are many anti-social computer geeks out there--let me assure you.

This is good advice. It is always better to be safe than sorry.