Setting up a Network

[jester68]

Hi

I'm a technophobe who'd appreciate some help.

I currently have a network set up with two laptops, one is XP the other is vista. This network was set up by a friend of mine so I've no idea what's actually involved. My wife has informed that she's, kindly, bought be a new computer for xmas which, I assume will be windows 7. We're also talking about getting a new router. The existing one is quite old, Ive had it since I first got broad band, my ISP is Supanet and the "vista" laptop has always experienced quite a weak single, I assume, so the connection drops now and again. So, it looks like I'm going to have to set up the new network from scratch, I can no longer rely on the friend to set it up for me. I vaguely remember getting some sort of password or code word from the ISP when I first went broad band which had, something like, "dsl" included in it. Will i need this again to set things up?

Also, I have a wireless modem which, I assume, has a router built in but when Ive been looking around at tutorials to give me and idea what I need to do to set this thing up, many of them use separate modem and router. Should I consider this? Is it necessary?

Thanks for the patience, sorry its a bit long winded.

[Mickha]

There is a network wizard feature, in most versions of Windows, to make it easier, just go into the Control Panel and Network & Sharing Centre, and it should be quite easy.
It all depends on how you use the network, do you share printers, files, access to each others computers or just connect to the internet using your router?

[unadkat]

Right I will try and not to confuse you mate

You stated that you have a Network in place which is set - up by a friend of yours.. Now you have bought a new machine with will be running on Windows 7 most likely.

And you also say that you have 2 laptops? if am right which are currently on the network @ this moment in time.

Finally this network is '' Wireless'' judging from what you stated in terms of low signal and so on.

As to why you want a new router is beyond me when you already have one. Also Supanet is a ADSL provider from what I gather anyway.

Your new machine as long long as its connected to the router via Ethernet or wireless and this doesn't matter which one. That automatically means your machine is on the '' Network''.

In order to share the files and printers well that's not too difficult as in Windows 7 you right click on little computer icon > Network and Sharing Center > on the left click on Advanced Sharing > From there switch on the Discovery and Turn on the File sharing.

[jester68]

Thanks for the advice.

We thought we might invest in a new router as a solution to the problem of connection "dropping" on the "vista" machine. The XP machine is, obviously, older and, also, further away from the router but it rarely "drops", its the one i use mainly. My wife bought the "vista" one a couple of years ago and this was when the network was set up. Also, I thought a new router may offer greater security etc.

I'm aware, kind of, that if we keep the existing router, the new computer will just "join" the existing network but I think I'm right in saying that if we get a new router I'll have to start from scratch, hence my question about contacting the ISP for a new "dsl" pass/code word? which, I assume, would be needed to allow the router to recognise, in someway, that Supanet is my ISP and, then, route that information to the computers.

The new computer will replace the XP computer, which I'm giving away to my neice as her first computer.

We may also get a wireless printer in the future which will also need to be networked. We dont share files etc between computers currently and i doubt we will on any new network so its just for sharing internet connection.

[unadkat]

When u get a new router. You will need your login details so that u can login to the server. After that all machines will obtain the ip address automatically via dhcp. The only thing u will need to change on each workstation is the wireless network key or alternatively u can change key on the router to the current one your using, so this way u don't need to change it all machines.

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191

[justin_uk1]

as for your vista problem i came across something similar and have to ask do you have all your updates down if not you must ,, if that is the case and the problem still exists then check for a driver update on the manufacturers website and finally the wireless signal between the router and the laptop travels better through glass than concrete or brick so foryour router to be near a window may help a little

also if none of the above work i bought one of these which are good but not a cheap option :-
2000mW 2W 802.11g/n High Gain USB Wireless G / N Long-Rang WiFi Network Adapter *Strongest on the Market*

[jester68]

Hi Justin

Yes Ive got everything up dated. Also there is nothing blocking the router from the vista machine. Generally when in use the computer and router are in the same room, unlike when I use the XP machine which is usually in another part of the house.

Thanks for the tip on a new router

[justin_uk1]

hi jester
your welcome mate ,, the only other time i had seen that with vista in the same room was an optional update in vista at the time i think it was an atheros update which fixed the issue ,, thats why i mentioned the driver update too
the device i posted was actually a usb wireless adapter for the pc/laptop ,, its about 25 quid ish on amazon it reaches 2000 meters but alas wasnt a router
good luck on your router search im sure some of these guys will point you in a good direction for an adsl router cheers