Can you spec me simlpe to use wireless internet connection for a few computers?

[sastusbulbas]

Hi all,

I usually only have one computer connected to the internet at home, its all my modem will allow. Indeed it seems its all Virgin Media allow as I used to have to do some ping command thingy to use a different computer, and I have forgotten how to do that ping command thingy to change computer.

I now have three computers including a Mac, and a family at home, and was wondering which is the simplest and easiest way to connect all of them to the internet wireless?

I would also like to add a printer at a later date and maybe some storage? Such as an external WD hard drive?

Would someone be able to tell me what I need and what is the easiest to implement and use? I have an upstairs and downstairs house to cover.

One other thing, is it possible for the individual computers to have the standard welcome/user start page, when attempting networking in the past I have usually ended up failing and with a password prompt screen. None of which are suitable for the kids, nor make the wife happy.

Cheers all,
Steve

 

[teulk]

All you need is a wireless router and some wireless dongles or wireless network cards for the other PC's. you simply connect the Virgin Media Modem to the router and then connect your PC to the router or connect via the wireless using a dongle or wireless network card.

One other thing, is it possible for the individual computers to have the standard welcome/user start page, when attempting networking in the past I have usually ended up failing and with a password prompt screen.

Not quite sure what your after here, if you want to network all the computers then they all have to have to be part of the same work group and (i think) have the same password........im sure someone will be able to help you out with the networking bit.

 

[bledd]

WRT54GL Wireless router.

You're with Cable right? not adsl..

 

[sastusbulbas]

Yes I have cable, Virgin Media 20mb internet. (Up to but never 20mb I should add)

So do I look at ADSL or Cable routers?

I was wondering if something like the NETGEAR WGR614 Wireless-G Cable/DSL Router would be good, you just plug the Ethernet cable in from the modem?

I take it adding some sort of PCI type wireless connector is recommended for the PC's?

My Mac is an old G4 with a 10.1 OS, not sure if I can connect this wireless?

The WRT54GL Wireless router is Linux based and ADSL?, is that a good thing?

Edit,

These seem to be advertised as compatible by my internet provider?

Edimax BR-6204WLg wireless 54MB cable router
Edimax - Wireless IEEE802.11 b/g/n Broadband Router
Edimax WK-2080 WiFi N-Lite Cable Router & USB Adapter
NETGEAR - CABLE/DSL WIRELESS ROUTER PC & MAC (no model number given?)

They also mention the EDIMAX - Wireless 32-bit PCI Card, I assume such an item is preferable to a usb thingy?

Edit again,

Can I connect a wireless printer to any of the above so all the computers share it?

Can I connect a WD 2TB external hard drive to any router so I can access music from any of my computers?

Cheers

 

[tolien]

So do I look at ADSL or Cable routers?

Cable.

I was wondering if something like the NETGEAR WGR614 Wireless-G Cable/DSL Router would be good, you just plug the Ethernet cable in from the modem?

Yep.

The WRT54GL Wireless router is Linux based and ADSL?, is that a good thing?

Being Linux based isn't particularly important - the main benefit is that you can remove the Linksys firmware and install what someone other than Linksys have written (and it's generally better).
It's not an ADSL router though.

Can I connect a wireless printer to any of the above so all the computers share it?

Can I connect a WD 2TB external hard drive to any router so I can access music from any of my computers?

Not unless they have ethernet ports and can connect to a network themselves.