skip to main content

Making my Dell Desktop wi-fi?

16 years ago

I recently had satellite internet installed and the wiring (& the equipment) comes into a spare bedroom where we have our Dell desktop. We added a Belkin router for wi-fi so our college kids could use their laptops when home. I would now like to relocate my Dell desktop into another room & am wondering what I need to do to make the Dell wireless & approx what that might cost. Is it a good DIY? Can someone advise me?

Thank you for your response.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

ravencajun Zone 8b TX
16 years ago
The cost will vary depending on the type of equipment you choose to purchase for your setup. If you know a bit about computers and understand connections etc you can probably do it. One of the most important points is to make your setup secure so that it is not open for others to see and get on. Here is a pretty good guide, if you do some google searches there is a wealth of info on this topic and on the equipment to use. For wireless I suggest always going with the newest technology available it will be more secure.
And here is the guide by microsoft.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/wirelesssetup.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/networking/learnmore/bowman_05june13.mspx
this one has pictures of components
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleID=1428

when you are considering your components do searches for them on a site like newegg.com, there you can read the specs for the item and also a list of comments about that item by actual owners.

Here is a link that might be useful: guide
kim0201
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks ravencajun. I'll doing some searching.
Related Discussions
New Netbook, Networking, WiFi
Q
Comments (9)
I also got a netbook for use when traveling, my choice was to get the ATT air card for mine that way no matter where I am I can use the air card to connect. It is secure and I am the only one using it. When at home I can either plug directly into my router with an ethernet cable or use my air card until I move to a wireless router in the future. I had my cell phones with ATT anyway so I went with them but there are other companies that have air cards such as Verizon and Sprint, I did comparisons and the ATT and Verizon seemed the best and both are about the same price, there is a cost for the card but they had a rebate that paid fully for the card, I have a monthly fee for the card just like if it was a cell phone and in fact it does assign it a cell phone number. so anywhere you would have cell phone coverage you would be able to use it. I have not been anywhere yet that I did not get a signal. For the price they want to charge you for that one week you could pay for your air card for a month.
...See More
Wired connection or Wi-Fi connection
Q
Comments (3)
Mike, do you like scaring people with suggestive and (in my opinion) misleading comments? The WEP "encryption" (it's a stretch to call it that) was broken years ago. It's easily defeated and is essentially open. That's not even old news. it's very old news. WPA2 is difficult to crack, and a financial conversation using https is very, very, very difficult to intercept. I won't say impossible, but beyond the reach of other than top pros. I think any user here should feel completely safe in using a properly secured home PC and WPA2 wifi signal to conduct any nature of communications over the internet. Yes, a wire can be more secure but the EM radiation wires and PCs emit can also be intercepted too. Are you suggesting every home needs radiation shielding?
...See More
Wi-fi, what do i need?
Q
Comments (1)
If your computer has built in wifi, then the only thing you need is an internet connection and a wireless router. If your computer is older and doesn't have built in wireless connectivity, you will also need a USB wifi transmitter. Ask at the store where you buy the router. Most will help you set it up and will even walk you thru it. Follow the directions on how to set up the router. The Ipod Touch also has directions on how to connect it to your wireless network. I set mine up without any problems and I am not a very well versed computer user.
...See More
A biology experiment on WiFi by 9th grade students in Denmark
Q
Comments (7)
From the article - Six of the trays were placed in each of 2 rooms which were both kept at the same temperature. Throughout the experiment, both sets of trays were given the same amount of water and access to sunlight. What I got from the article is some grade 9 students were interested enough in science to set up what they thought was a relevant science experiment. Who knows what they learned in terms of doing experiments and what their future will hold as a result.
...See More
homebound
16 years ago
I would just get a wireless PCI adaptor for the Dell and install per the instructions. Make sure to match the wireless (b, g, n, etc). Could be #40-$70 bucks, depending... Pretty easy.

Related Stories

HOME OFFICES The 20 Most Popular Home Office Photos of 2015

By Becky Harris

Technology paves the way for space-saving work areas, while designers make up for small sizes with style

FURNITURE On Trend: Wireless Lounging

By Lily Gahagan

Cut the cord on outmoded ideas of comfort with these furniture picks that make the most of your mobile time

MOST POPULAR How Bluetooth 4.0 Will Change Remote Control

Manage lights, TV, refrigerators and more through your phone or tablet when the latest wireless technology rolls into all your home devices

HOME OFFICES 15 Home Office Areas Houzzers Love to Save

By Erin Carlyle

See the new desk areas with the most saves to ideabooks. Is there a detail here you can use?

MORE ROOMS Reclaim Room to Breathe

Take back the down time you deserve by disconnecting and paying attention to small pleasures in unexpected areas of your home

HOME OFFICES 9 Hacks for a Clutter-Free Home Office

By Natasha Saroca

Use these clever ideas to transform a chaotic study into one that’s more conducive to working

HOME TECH Turn Your Smart Phone Into a Home Security System

Monitor your home a less expensive way by putting your phone and some new gadgets to work

HOME OFFICES New This Week: 3 Home Offices That Know How to Work It

By Mitchell Parker

We look at the designers’ secrets, ‘uh-oh’ moments and nitty-gritty details of 3 great home offices uploaded to Houzz this week

HOME TECH Is the Timing Finally Right for Framed Digital Art?

By R. Daniel Foster

Several companies are preparing to release digital screens and apps that let you stream artworks and video on your wall

DECORATING GUIDES Room of the Day: Guest Suite Welcomes Family and Friends

By Becky Harris

A freshened-up bedroom and expanded bathroom are as inviting as a suite in a luxurious hotel

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I stop my modem from gathering and sharing our data?

12

UPS needed - which ones?

9

sound missing on Dell

3

Problems with Outlook 2013

0

Upgrading Windows 11 from Home to Pro

2