Computer Question...

Hello, Hey anyone know bout pc's? I have comcast high speed and the black box sits next to my pc..We have another pc downstairs we want to run on Wireless..I was wondering what i all need for the downstairs pc to get it online? Thanks 

You will need a wireless router and a wireless cardfor the PC downstairs.  For the easiest installation, you can purchase a USB wireless device.  For routers, I am partial to the older Linksys products.  I have one WRT54Gv1.1 router that is in need of a new power supply, and a WRT54GSv1.0 & WRT54GSv2.0 routers that are in operation in my house.  One in the basement, one at the top of the basement stairs.  This is to get consistent wireless connectivity everywhere on my property.  Works like a charm!

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ORIGINAL: swartlkk

You will need a wireless router and a wireless cardfor the PC downstairs.  For the easiest installation, you can purchase a USB wireless device.  For routers, I am partial to the older Linksys products.  I have one WRT54Gv1.1 router that is in need of a new power supply, and a WRT54GSv1.0 & WRT54GSv2.0 routers that are in operation in my house.  One in the basement, one at the top of the basement stairs.  This is to get consistent wireless connectivity everywhere on my property.  Works like a charm!

 
Almost the same set up at my house with placement of the routers, it is really nice to be anywhere in the house and have signal to go online!!!

I agree whole heartedly.  Don't go for the lowest cost..get a linksys, and be happy with your purchase.  I work at CCity, and we get so many people that bring back routers because they went with a Dlink or a Netgear.  However, don't get sucked into the Speedbooster/RangePlus junk.  Those 'boosts' only work if you have matching hardware all around (speedbooster card for the computer) and even then, its only like a 22 mbps boost.  Useless.

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ORIGINAL: swartlkk

You will need a wireless router and a wireless cardfor the PC downstairs.  For the easiest installation, you can purchase a USB wireless device. 

When it comes to Networking by no means EVER use a USB device.  I deal with this all the time at work.  People are to cheap buy an old computer that doesnt have  NIC then want to connect to the internet Via USB.  Most times they dont work or very well if they do.  Network cards are cheap enough its not worth the headache. 

Get this Wirless router and call it a day.  It comes with the 4 port switch plus the wireless so you will connect your desktop and the wireless computer.  I have one at my house and have a 3 year old version of this router at my parents house and have no problems with it besides having to power cycle the router and Cable Modem every few months.  And also if you live in close proximity to your neighbors make sure to secure your network.  They have a CD to walk you though everything.

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ORIGINAL: BLK85
When it comes to Networking by no means EVER use a USB device

I disagree. I think the USBs work fine, in certain applications better than the PCI cards.  If the computer is in a desk, or at a lower point, a USB would work better because it'll come with an extension to move for better reception.  Also with USB 2.0, you can get a faster connection than PCI.

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ORIGINAL: WolfPack

quote:

ORIGINAL: BLK85
When it comes to Networking by no means EVER use a USB device

I disagree. I think the USBs work fine, in certain applications better than the PCI cards.  If the computer is in a desk, or at a lower point, a USB would work better because it'll come with an extension to move for better reception.  Also with USB 2.0, you can get a faster connection than PCI.

Ok I guess you know what you are talking about.  I just work with this type of stuff every day and have for 5 years professionly now.

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ORIGINAL: WolfPack

quote:

ORIGINAL: BLK85
When it comes to Networking by no means EVER use a USB device

I disagree. I think the USBs work fine, in certain applications better than the PCI cards.  If the computer is in a desk, or at a lower point, a USB would work better because it'll come with an extension to move for better reception.  Also with USB 2.0, you can get a faster connection than PCI.

Your not really going to get a faster throughput with USB 2.0, in fact you could get slower because of the processor overhead on the USB ports and sharing of the channels.

In reality it isn't going to matter if it's a new machine, your internet speed in the typical home is going to be the bottleneck in the system not the USB or PCI ports.  It is true however having the freedom to move the USB port higher could give you better signal strength, but you could also buy a longer range antenna for the PCI slot and extend further then the typical USB ones. 

Most of the newer Linksys items are crap.  They are not made like they used to be, but if I would still suggest going Linksys and if you feel tech savy enough, dumping the stock firmware and going with DD-WRT firmwares, but make sure you really know what you are doing before doing that.  Stay away from the speed boosters as mentioned, It's crap.  Out of the hundreds of systems I have setup, Dlink components cause me the most headaches.  They make decent cheap PCIMA cards and that's about it.  USB on avg will cause more trouble then RJ45 connections or straight PCI for the most part, but mainly it depends on driver setups on the computer.


What ever you get please please please make sure to lock your wireless signal down.  There are many differnt sniffers out there that can be programmed to snatch passwords, CC numbers, Pin numbers, Etc out of the information going through the air.  It's not just caring if someone is using your connection.  For example I have a program on my phone that shows me a radar screen with WIFI networks on it and I can use my phone to point me right to the house with Networks (both open and locked).  Not only do I see the networks, but it points me straight to the house with each specific network.  This can add to the damage that can be caused on a open connection.

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ORIGINAL: FirehawkNS

  For example I have a program on my phone that shows me a radar screen with WIFI networks on it and I can use my phone to point me right to the house with Networks (both open and locked).  Not only do I see the networks, but it points me straight to the house with each specific network.  This can add to the damage that can be caused on a open connection.

 
??   is this program compatible with WM6? if so, where can i get it?

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ORIGINAL: otnietdehoooo

quote:

ORIGINAL: FirehawkNS

For example I have a program on my phone that shows me a radar screen with WIFI networks on it and I can use my phone to point me right to the house with Networks (both open and locked).  Not only do I see the networks, but it points me straight to the house with each specific network.  This can add to the damage that can be caused on a open connection.

??   is this program compatible with WM6? if so, where can i get it?

Yep.  I am using it on a WM6 cooked 8525.  It's called WIFIFOFUM

http://www.aspecto-software.com/rw/applications/wififofum/screenshots/index.html

SWEET! i have an 8525 also...   ive been looking into the iPhone skins but have yet to find one thats a simple CAB file to install...

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ORIGINAL: otnietdehoooo

SWEET! i have an 8525 also...   ive been looking into the iPhone skins but have yet to find one thats a simple CAB file to install...

I have loaded up the skins and avoid them now due to stability going down the drain.  I do run Slide 2 unlock still, but left the other IPhone hacks alone.  S2U2 is one of my favorite mods on this thing.

The reason why I recommended USB is because it is by far and away the easiest solution.  If someone is uncomfortable around electronics/computers, opening up their computer to install a PCI wireless card can be imposing.  I do agree that the USB card won't be as good, but for the average computer user, would you really notice?

And that isn't mentioning the fact that a USB wireless device can be used on any computer at will and transferred in seconds.

I know several people with the Linksys WUSB100 and are not having any difficulty with them.  Granted, their pc is only 20' from the router, but they are just casual web browser, ms office users and probably use 10% of their available bandwidth at any point in time.  For that type of user, I see no problem with running a USB adapter. 

Bottom line, if you feel comfortable adding an internal card, it will provide better speeds if you need it.  If you are not comfortable installing an internal card, and don't know anyone that would be, USB is an option.

I have the WUSB54G on my Home Theater PC and it works great.  Does little quirks here and there, but nothing a reboot doesn't take care of.