Wireless

Lukee12Lukee12
edited July 2008 in Science & Tech
Hi, just a quick question: Is there a way to quickly check that my PC desktop is wireless enabled? It's just that it'll cost £20 for a wireless card to upgrade my broadband connection, as well as the regular £40 wireless router. So obviously I don't want to spend more money than necessary!
I am aware that this may be a stupid question: I have a feeling that most desktops (as far as I'm aware) will need a separate wireless card to plug into a USB port, but I thought I'd check.
Thanks,
Luke
P.S. I'm not sure if this was the most appropriate part of the site to post this question, but I trust that it will be moved somewhere more likely to get a response by someone who knows more than me...which is most people lol!
Thanks again

Comments

  • TroganTrogan London, UK
    edited July 2008
    Hi,

    I've never had a wireless desktop, so I'll assume it's like a normal wireless connection. In that case, go into Control Panel > Network Connections. If you see "Wireless Network Connection" you're Desktop can connect wireless to a network; otherwise you will only see "Local Area Connection".

    You can't get "Wireless Cards" for Desktops, unless you meant "Wireless Desktop Adapter"? I'd suggest getting a Wireless USB Adapter since Wireless Desktop Adapters will need to be installed inside the computer.

    Hope that helps.
  • kryystkryyst Ontario, Canada
    edited July 2008
    Unless you have a MAC it's a pretty safe bet that you don't have built in wireless in your computer. But check where Trogan said and that's the easiest way to tell.

    I'd also agree with his suggestion of going the wifi-adapter route instead of the pci wireless card way. Unless your computer is far away from your router with walls in between. Then typically the PCI wifi cards have better transmission strength.
  • Lukee12Lukee12
    edited July 2008
    Thanks for your help...it looks like I'll be getting a wireless USB adapter! Think that's probably what i meant anyway...we're with Virgin Media and so I think they'll send one at the same time as the router...I think anyway!
    Thanks for your help guys
    :)
  • BuddyJBuddyJ Dept. of Propaganda OKC Icrontian
    edited July 2008
    If not, you should be able to find one on sale quite inexpensively. I've seen them for as low as $5 here in the States.
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