Just got DSL - Laptop Won't Work
I am a complete idiot when it comes to this stuff, so please bare with me...
I just got DSL through my phone company and have installed the modem and service on my desktop. It works fine and is installed properly.
I have a Dell laptop that came with a wireless card that works properly. When I go to my aunt's house or any other wireless spot, all I have to do is turn it on, click on Explorer and I'm online. I assumed that would be the case with my new DSL hook up, but when I try it, it doesn't work. I tried to do a repair of the system and it says there is no wireless network to connect to.
I have no idea where to go from where! Any ideas?? Thanks!
I just got DSL through my phone company and have installed the modem and service on my desktop. It works fine and is installed properly.
I have a Dell laptop that came with a wireless card that works properly. When I go to my aunt's house or any other wireless spot, all I have to do is turn it on, click on Explorer and I'm online. I assumed that would be the case with my new DSL hook up, but when I try it, it doesn't work. I tried to do a repair of the system and it says there is no wireless network to connect to.
I have no idea where to go from where! Any ideas?? Thanks!
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First of all you're not an idiot. The knowledge required to keep your head above water in this field (the world of computers) is not blessed on anyone at birth. We've all had to learn about it one way or another - most folks, like yourself, as the need arises. Now on to your problem....
Well, here's the rub w/ your situation. The 1st issue is w/ using a DSL Internet provider as opposed to one that provides an always on connection (e.g. cable service).
W/ your type of service (DSL), you must LOGIN w/ a USERNAME & PASSWORD in order to access their service - which, in turn, will pass you on to the Internet. This login information needs to be configured either on your computer or on your ROUTER. We'll get to that later (the login configuration). 1st things 1st.
The 2nd issue is, in order for you to be able to share your one Internet connection between two computers, you must purchase something called a (BROADBAND) ROUTER. In the consumer market (folks like yourself), this is the primary reason folks use routers - to share Internet connectivity between two or more computers.
An added benefit of using a router is file and printer sharing between the computers that are connected to the router and added security in the form of a FIREWALL that is built into your router.
So! Your 1st mission is to go out and purchase a WIRELESS ROUTER. A wireless router will support wireless connectivity for your laptop as well as ETHERNET cable connectivity for your desktop computer.
LINKSYS and NETGEAR are popular brand names. Of the two, I'd recommend LINKSYS. Make sure the router supports the wireless 802.11G standard at least. (This is a wireless standard. The folks at the store should be able to help you with that. It will also be indicated on the box.)
Once you have that critter, come on back here, and we'll step you through the rest... :smiles:
Just a question - once I get this set up, if someone is on the desktop and someone is on the laptop will they be able to see what the other is doing or can they both be on doing something at the same time I guess is really what I mean?
One other thing - and I don't know if this makes any difference - my aunt has the exact same DSL hook-up and service that I have and I've never had to sign on or anything, like I said, I just go to her house with the laptop, click on Explorer and I'm online.
thanks again!
Take a look HERE. You can get a Linksys Wireless-G router for about 50 bucks.
In any case, the login is taking place - she just might not be aware of it because it has been automated.
If you want to protect your computer from access by others on your network (which is what you'll have once you connect two or more computers to the router) then, we will need to configure your FILE & PRINT SHARING in such a way as to keep your files protected. You could disable FILE SHARING but keep PRINT SHARING enabled. In this way, you will be protecting your data but still be able to print from your laptop to the printer that is connected to your desktop computer if you like.
There's much to learn on these topics. Let's just get your laptop and desktop computers on the Internet 1st off.
What's your problem and I'll direct you to posting on the appropriate thread?
(1) Please, go HERE to begin addressing possible malware infection on your computer:
(2) Refer to this HOW TO thread for instructions re: how to perform tasks you will be presented with.
(3) Read through all of the remaining stickies HERE.
After you have performed steps (1) thru (3) above, post your new thread HERE. Be very detailed (specific) when describing your problem in the title of your thread. When you post to your thread, again, be very detailed re: what you have observed and what you have done so far. The more details you provide, the better the experts there will be able to help you.
Good Luck! :smiles:
I do have one more quick question though, don't know if you can help me or not, but I was surprised when I click to sign on the internet, it signs me on AOL still...that was my dial-up service...I haven't cancelled it yet, I've got my DSL through BellSouth. I'm guessing I won't be able to do that once I cancel AOL? I was pleasantly surprised though, I am not looking forward to teaching my mother how to check her mail and list things on ebay without the ease of the AOL welcome screen!! It took me long enough just to teach her how to get online!
Is there a telephone line still connected to your computer (at the back).
If so, disconnect it (make note of which jack it was plugged into 1st).
Now, try to get onto the Internet.
If you are unable to connect to the Internet, restore the telephone line to the same jack at the back of your computer. Connect to the Internet and post back here. We'll tell you how to proceed.
If you are still able to connect to the Internet (with the telephone line removed), then you are using your DSL broadband service...
You need only change your browser's home page (if you like). Your Internet browser is likely one of the following: Internet Explorer, Netscape, or Mozilla Firefox.
Note: If you were previously using AOLs software to connect to the Internet, you may continue to do so IF you have an account with them. However, it will need to be configured differently. Let us know if this is the case.
Please, answer these questions and we'll know how to proceed with helping you.
In any case, the "Home Page" is simply the 1st page that appears when you open your Internet browser.
It sounds like BellSouth has their own Internet browser installed on your computer. That's fine. It's just another Internet browser.
Are you sure you didn't sign up for an AOL-Over-Broadband service through your DSL provider? Better make sure about this before you cancel your AOL account.
BTW: You can keep your AOL account. Keep using their browser. Keep you AOL email, even. You just need to change the type of service you are subcribing to AOL for. IOW, you can keep your AOL membership service (which includes email) and cancel their Internet Access Service. AOL calls it their "Bring Your Own ISP" service. This will drop your monthly AOL cost dramatically. Get what free deal???
No - I didn't sign up for AOL Broadband, did it all through Bellsouth - I think I know what you're talking about with changing the type of AOL service I have, that might just be a good idea for now.
I keep hearing stuff about getting AOL mail free after you cancel your account? I dread dealing with those folks!
This has been much more confusing than the nice lady at Bellsouth told me it would be!! :-) Thanks so much for your help!
Georgia, I just happened to run into this today. Give it a listen....
http://dumbr.com/232_Cancelling-AOL.html
Not just AOL either. Try telling any number of other service providers (other ISPs or, oh yeah!, telephone service!) you want to cancel your service w/ them and see what happens! It's a whole other story when you call in for help, right?
I kinda feel sorry for the guy taking the call, though. You know he was told to do exactly what he did (or attempted to do) - that is turn the member around and keep him from cancelling. His salesmanship was a bit lacking is all.
If not, they might be able to recommend one which works well with the service.
It may also be worth mentioning that not all DSL connections require authentication but I'm probably just confusing things at this point.
Your really should learn to get away from AOL. It's a BIG WIDE world out there. You don't need the AOL training wheels. (hope that didn't seem condescending - it wasn't)
"training wheels" <
had to laugh. Same term I use for AOL. And yes, we geeks can be very condescending (always implying that everyone else is stupid for not using our superior but less-well-known browser, op system, blah, blah, blah).
But in this case its AOL that is condescending. They take a public that is fearful of the Internet, and hammer home what a scary place it is. Then they "selflessly" offer themselves as a solution.
I'm like Leo. Take off the training wheels. You'll be better for it.
- HERE's BellSouth's Internet Services Home Page
- HERE is their HomeNetworking Service page. (See below for more info. re: this service)
- HERE are their different FastAccess DSL plans. (So, you can determine which plan you have subscribed to.)
- HERE is a comparison chart between BellSouth's FastAccess DSL plans.
- HERE is their Help and Support page. It even includes an online chat option (lower right under Additional Assistance)
- HERE are BellSouth's FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) re: their FastAccess DSL service.
- HERE is BellSouth's contact information (including telephone no.'s and email addresses)
- BellSouth's FastAccess HomeNetworking Plus service includes their "wireless gateway" device. This service costs $5 more per month. (The "wireless gateway" device is FREE if you have their "FastAccess DSL Xtreme" service.)
- BellSouth doesn't tell much about the device online. You'll need to speak w/ them for more details about it.
- They also have a promotion (found HERE) where if you order their "wireless gateway" device online, you get a rebate that makes it FREE (after the rebate).
- You can submit the rebate online HERE w/in 90 days of purchasing it.
NOTE:BellSouth mentions in a couple of places about reduced cost or free service from the Geek Squad. You might want to ask BellSouth if you qualify for any service from them. If so, they can help you w/ setting up your Internet connection sharing via BellSouth's "wireless gateway" device.
PS:
I tried calling BellSouth to find out if their service required a user name and password login. (They have a toll free no.) In short, jumping through their telephone prompts got to be .....tedious.....after a while so, I gave up.
So, georgiagirl47,...
If you didn't, you need to contact BellSouth and see if the router you purchased will work w/ their service.
I have Linkskys Wireless-G?
I'm guessing something like a WRT54G...only because its the most common one out there. When you say: Georgia, I think you mean that the little bubble down in the right corner says you're on the wireless....is that right? Just because you're on the wireless doesn't mean your wireless router has the 'net.
If it's a Linksys, you can probably get into the router by bringing up a browser and typing this IP address in the address bar, "192.168.1.1"...no quotation marks, no http, no www. nonsense...just the IP address. Then you should get an authentication window. By default Linksys routers leave the user name blank, and the password is "admin".
If that gets you in, look up near the top there is a row of options. I think its the last one that says Status. Click that one and it should give you IP information for your Internet Connection. If all you have is 0.0.0.0 stuff, then you don't have the Internet in your wireless router. You can try the release, then the renew button. If that doesn't get you IP addresses, it ain't happening.
Bell South may remember the MAC address of the last device the cable modem was plugged into. Unplug the cable modem and wireless router, wait about 5 minutes to let it clear out, then plug the cable modem back in. After about 30 seconds, plug in the router. Let your computer find the wireless router after its up and you should have the 'net. Now go back into the wireless router and you'll see numbers under the IP information.