Hello,

I would like to make my laptop wireless.

I have a Gateway 200 Laptop, Intel Pentium 3, 933 MHz, and 248MB of
RAM.  I have Microsoft Windows XP, Version 2002 as my operating
system. I currently have 12.9GB free in my Local C Drive.

I am currently running Comcast Digital Hi-Speed Internet via RCA
Modem. What hardware and software will I need to make my laptop
completely wireless in my apartment? What is an approximate cost to
purchasing this equipment? Will my connection speed deteriorate if I
were to go to wireless? Also, is it worth it to upgrade to a Pentium 4
or higher speed at this time?

Here is the cnet.com info page on my laptop. 
 
http://reviews.cnet.com/Gateway_200__Pentium_III_M__1_GHz__256_MB_/4505-3121_7-9683210.html

Thanks for your help

rexkab-ga:

Based on the link you provided for your laptop's specifications, your
laptop already has an 802.11b Wi-Fi wireless networking adapter built
in. So, the only hardware you will need to buy, is a wireless
router/gateway that will connect to your RCA modem, and create the
wireless network that you need in order to be completely wireless in
your apartment.

Any 802.11b compatible wireless router will do, here are some examples
from the Best Buy website:

Microsoft 802.11b Wireless Router
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384562525&skuId=4778547&type=product

Linksys 802.11b Wireless Router
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384294158&skuId=4221407&type=product

D-Link 802.11b Wireless Router
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1057490485294&skuId=5765166&type=product


All of these are available for $59.99 right now, and all come with
easy-to-follow guides on how to set up and maintain a reliable, secure
wireless network.

You also ask whether your connection speed will deteriorate after you
go wireless. Right now, if your laptop is connected directly to the
RCA modem, you are seeing up to 1.5 Mbps download / 256 kbps upload
speeds. The wireless network, at it's worst, will operate at about 2
Mbps in both directions, and you can expect performance of 6 Mbps to
11 Mbps in a typical apartment. Therefore, the wireless network will
not impact your speed versus what you currently experience.

As for upgrading to a Pentium 4 at this time, that decision has
nothing to do with whether or not you are using a wireless network,
and more importantly has more to do with how you use your laptop
today. Are you satisfied with the performance of the computer for what
you use it for? If so, then there is no need to upgrade. One important
point to remember is that your laptop's processor cannot be upgraded,
so moving to a Pentium 4 will involve buying a new computer.

I hope this information helps!

Regards,

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

---

Request for Answer Clarification by rexkab-ga on 10 Feb 2004 05:23 PST

Would this be a compatible router? 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006HYKM/103-4239681-3604624?v=glance

---

Clarification of Answer by aht-ga on 10 Feb 2004 07:50 PST

Hi rexkab-ga:

Yes, the Netgear MR814 is compatible with your needs. The price is right, too!

For further information, I suggest you take a look at
http://practicallynetworked.com/ .

There, you will find lots of useful information about wireless
networking, including security. When you are first setting up your
network, though, I recommend that you leave WEP turned off so that you
can confirm that everything is working. After you have confirmed this,
use a 40/64-bit (they are the same, just referred to differently by
different manufacturers) encryption key. Windows XP has built-in
support for wireless networking, but it is best for you to follow the
instructions that come with the router to be absolutely safe.

Good luck!

aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher

Hey rexkab-ga,

When you set up your wireless connection, remember to set an
encription (using WEP) This will ensure other people cannot use your
modem without permission.

WEP is easy to set up and instructions should come with your wireless
gateway/router!

Thanks for the suggestion! I live in an APartment Complex, so that is
important to know!