Networking For Dummies {Me!}

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 desktop connected to the Internet using a Netopia DSL modem. I just purchased a Dell E1505 laptop with a wireless network card installed. I have a NetGear wireless router on the way.

Here's the "dummy" part. In order for my desktop to connect to the Internet once I hook my DSL modem into the wireless router, I'm going to need a wireless card for the desktop, right? For some reason i thought I would not need one for the desktop. My intentions are to use the laptop around the house and swimming pool to connect to the Net and my desktop to retrieve files.

Never mind...just did a simple search and read a "Dummies" guide. I'll get the wireless PCI card for my desktop.

Any other tips?

{...other than boxing the thing up and returning it to Dell seeing how I might be too dumb to have a wireless network??? :wave: }

Thanks

Jeff

Usually wireless routers have a couple hard-wired ports that can be used for desktops. What model router did you get? Here are their product lines
http://www.netgear.com/products/cons...ireless_hm.php

All of which appear to have hardwired ports. Just plug the output of the DSL modem into the router uplink/internet port and then run another network cable to your computer. Then you can use the wireless for the laptop.

Maybe this will help
http://www.netgear.com/images/diagrams/wgt634U.gif

Notice the network ports in the back that can be used to connect to hardwired devices such as a desktop PC. The one you get my vary slightly, but thats pretty much it. Make sure you look into setting encryption like WEP or WPA. Keep your data and network safe!

Thanks for the help. My model was located at http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WGR614.php.

Seems as though it will work fine.

Thanks Again,

Jeff