NEED Computer Help Please

[suzanne]

OK, I finally broke down and ordered a Laptop Computer. Its an HP with built in WIFI.. I have my HP Desktop that use AT&T DSL with the Modem thing for Internet. The Desktop uses Windows Vista the new Laptop is Windows 7. How do I connect up the 2 so that I can use the Laptop here in the house without all the wires?

Sorry to sound so dumb but this will be my first laptop so consider me a newbie.

Also, how do I connect to internet when traveling away from home? We will be at Orange Lake East Village and Vacation Villages at Parkway in Orlando for Christmas and New Years.

Suzanne

 

[Nickfromct]

If you have WIFI in your house, you just need to enable the WIFI on your laptop. If not, you need to get a wireless router to connect to your modem that will send a WIFI signal in the house.

Away from home it the same sort of thing. If you at a hotel or someplace with WIFI available, just enable the wifi and select proper WIFI source.

 

[Passepartout]

Suzanne, your DSL modem 'thing' may have a built-in 'wireless router'. (My DWs does) if so just follow the instructions for setting it up that would have been included with the DSL 'thing'.

Otherwise, you'll want to buy a wi-fi router. (I'd suggest one with 802.11n- $20-$70) It will plug into a handy port on the aforementioned modem with the included cable- as well as a little power plug-in thing. There will be a disc of software to put into your new laptop first. It will guide you through the setup process and inputting a security code- so your neighbors don't share your wi-fi, and data.

Once this is done- it should take about a half-hour- you'll be wireless.

When you travel, looking at the lower right corner of your screen, when you are in an area with wi-fi, you'll see some little steps. Just click on them and a list of nearby connections will be displayed. Just click on the strongest, or the one with the name of the network you want to sign on to (the desk will tell you the name), and it will connect wirelessly. Hopefully.

Jim Ricks

 

[Kagehitokiri2]

and when traveling, bring an ethernet cable just in case it is available but wireless is not

 

[Passepartout]

and when traveling, bring an ethernet cable just in case it is available but wireless is not

I carry this a step further and carry a router as well so if there is just wired internet, I set up my own network in the unit. Piece o' cake.... Jim

 

[rapmarks]

aha, so bring your router and an ethernet cable just in case to timeshares. Is the ethernet cable the blue one?

should i bring my Roku? It enables me to show movies from Netflix on the tv?


I bought a D link router and set up wireless myself, I have two laptops and a desktop and a Roku all going off the cable modem.

 

[suzanne]

TUGGERS are the best. Jim how do I know if the modem thing has a built in wireless router? Is there some place on the Desktop Computer that tells me? There are lights on the Modem, Power, Ethernet, Wireless, DSL & Internet. All are lit up green except the one that says wireless, its not lit up. Does this mean my modem has a built in wireless router but because the laptop is not set up yet it is not lit up?

Thank you all for your help. I definately need all the help I can get.

Zuzanne

 

[Blues]

Yes Suzanne, it looks like your "modem" has an integrated wireless router, but the wireless part of it is not set up. But the reason the wireless LED isn't lit has nothing to do with your laptop. The modem/wireless router has to be set up first; after that, you need to set up the laptop.

How to set up the router? Well, if you have a model number, we may be able to help. If not, there are a couple of standard ways that manufacturers usually configure these things.

If I were you, I'd try pointing your browser to one of the following addresses:

http://192.168.0.1
http://192.168.1.1

If either one of them works, that's probably your router. Then you'll need to go through the setup pages, looking for something that refers to the wireless setup. Again, if we could locate a manual for your router, it would be easier to direct you.

Hope this helps, at least a little bit.

-Bob

 

[Passepartout]

Suzanne, you probably need to locate the stuff that came with your DSL equipment. There will be a pamphlet and the aforementioned disc. Run the disc in your desktop that is wired to the router. It will show you how to name your network and enter a security code and activate the wireless part of the modem. After you do this it will work both wired- to your desktop computer- and wirelessly to your laptop. Your laptop will connect automatically whenever you turn it on in range of the router. You can add other things as well if you want. Like a wireless printer or a Roku box on your TV to stream movies if you subscribe to Netflix.

Hope this helps.... Jim

 

[suzanne]

I do have the disc and the booklet that came with the DSL Modem. I will read thru it tonight and see what it says to do.


Suzanne

 

[suzanne]

Hi All,

OK, I have the wifi connection working. Need help getting the two operating systems to talk to each other. I have Vista on the Desktop and Windows 7 on the new laptop. How do I make the Laptop recognize the files and folders on the Desktop for sharing? I printed off the sheet that says Go to the Control Panel, Under Network Connections Choose Home Group and Sharing options. Click Join now and follow Homegroup wizard to enter the Password they provided. My question is that the Laptop calls stuff Homegroup, the Desktop calls stuff Workgroup. Which one should I change the Laptop or the Desktop so that they both have the same name?

The other thing is Email. Desktop is different form Laptop. There again its Vista vs Windows 7. How do I get the Laptop to show email from the Desktop?

Suzanne