ChitownRC

Full Version: puter illiterate needs help!
You're currently viewing a stripped down version of our content. View the full version with proper formatting.
I just picked up a dell inspirion 2200 notebook. Not the best but fairly decent!

ok, it came with a wireless card already installed and I was wondering if I need a certain router or if any old on will do?

Also, how do I set-up a different website to be my homepage? Right now it's some stupid dell site.

Thanks in advance.
Homepage reset
tools-internet options-change the site to what you want-click apply
IF your old router is wireless you should be fine. You might have to set it up for your network though.
thank you! I dont have a wireless router, period. i need to get one. I just wanted to know which one I should buy? also will I need to get a wireless card for the desktop or will I still be able to wire that one regularly?
Yo can wire it directly from the router. I like d-link routers.
I have a D-Link Splitter, but I my dad had their wireless at work and they had nothing but problems, if you have DSL thru yahoo go with the 2 wire wireless internet, I PS2, 1 wired desktop, 1 wireless desktop, 1 Wireless Laptop, and I have my PSP on it and it works awsome, Lynksus also makes good wireless routers.
Traxxas_Junkee Wrote:I have a D-Link Splitter, but I my dad had their wireless at work and they had nothing but problems, if you have DSL thru yahoo go with the 2 wire wireless internet, I PS2, 1 wired desktop, 1 wireless desktop, 1 Wireless Laptop, and I have my PSP on it and it works awsome, Lynksus also makes good wireless routers.

whatever he said!!!

Right now I am running off of someone elses Lynksus router. Only unprotected one around me. Low signal so I need on in my house so go with the lynksus or the d-link?
Tommy do you know if your wireless Pcm card is 802.11: a, b, or g?

I would go this route or something like this:
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_...=mar05sale
or
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_...pfp=SEARCH
or
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_...7&pfp=cat3
Here you go dude. Both of the dell laptops in my house work just fine with linksys routes. Both have the built-in wireless from dell.

http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0212026

That's the newer version of what I use. It has 4 wired ports and wireless built in. Good stuff at a good price.
LOL, Same one I posted but if you buy it at Compusa you get it $20 cheaper!
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_...=mar05sale
http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0212026
squirrel Wrote:thank you! I dont have a wireless router, period. i need to get one. I just wanted to know which one I should buy? also will I need to get a wireless card for the desktop or will I still be able to wire that one regularly?


Best router for the money: Linksys WRT54G

Very popular, plenty of features (most which you probably won't use, but it's nice to have)
on the spec sheet it just said that its 1250? i have no clue what that means? That linksys one looks like the winner though
Yeah, I might have to go and get me one for that price Smile
Your best bet would be to get a Linksys G router.

You really don't need the Speedbooster, it's more of a marketing gimmick for fools, or if you do lots of data transfer between computers.

Their service, although in India, is also very good. I've had to call them a few times when I went out on on-sites, and every time the tech on the other end knew what they were talking about, and used his brain along with the script.

G router:
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_...1&pfp=cat3

I would wait a little for it to get some rebates or instant savings or something because those routers constantly get some sort of rebate. I got mine for $35 plus tax a little over a year ago. Also, that notebook isn't the best of the best, but it's definately not the worst. I would strongly suggest upgrading from 256 to 512mb of ram, the jump from 512 to a gig isn't that noticeable for the average user.

I have 2 gigs in my laptop, but I use memory intensive programs a lot, so I need it.

Also, to make your computer have a little bit more storage space, do this:

Start -> control panel -> system -> system restore and set the slider to min. Don't turn it off as you might need to revert your system back to an older point, but 200mb is more than enough for your system.

One last thing: Make sure you have some sort of Antivirus software, and that your firewall is up. With today's hackers, if you leave your virgin (No av/firewall software) computer on with wireless turned on and connected, you WILL be attacked and infected in a matter of minutes. Also, make sure you do updates religiously. It may seem like an inconvenient chore, but you will be safer, and your computer will run smoother.

So if you lower your system restore, get an av/firewall program, and do updates, your computer should yield you many years of good service.

Good luck and congratulations on your purchase.

*Computer Technician*
Thank you very for the help!! When I'm not on the internet I turn off the wireless conection. But I do have an anti virus, pop-up blocker and firewall running. <-- first programs i installed. I am going to get the regular linksys router. i will upgrade to 512 in the future but right now there is no need for it.
No worries. When you do choose to upgrade, hit me up first. I do what TTTM2 does, except with laptops. I can get you a new stick of either 256 or 512 for very cheap.
COOL!! I will def hit yo up!