Alright, I'm kinda a novice when it comes to new fangled tech stuff But if I get roadrunner, do I have to buy a cable modem or do they give me one? Also, how hard is to to set up a router from a desktop downstairs to a laptop upstairs? Thanks for your help...
When you get roadrunner, they get one for you, but i think you will pay for it on your first bill (not exactly sure). I cant help you on the second part.
When I left college, my roommate returned the modem--I'm guessing there was a refundable deposit. Connecting two computers is easy. Just get a hub from Best Buy.
Setting up a router's not too bad. They generally come with CDs that walk you through the process step-by-step. After installation, you might still end up scratching your head a few times when you can't connect, but usually a few reboots takes care of the problem. If you're trying to connect computers on a different floor, I'd recommend getting a wireless router. You can still plug in your desktop, but you'd need to get a wireless card for your laptop (unless it has one already) Running cable to another floor can be a pain in the neck.
here is what you do. they will supply you woith the cable modem....no prob you need to go down and buy a Linksys(Cisco) 4 port broadband router/wireless access point. http://www.linksys.com/Products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=601 then get a wireless PC card for your notebook and follow to the letter the directions that come with the router/pc card and if you run into any problems after hooking it all up...ask here again and I(and otherrs Im sure) would be glad to help you.
you can go wireless or you can buy a long @ss cable to run through the house. how good is wireless these days, still having trouble going through walls and down stairs, etc?
Wireless works fine for me. I'm still running just the standard 802.11b and I have no problems taking my laptop to various parts of my house and even the backyard. I have both the Linksys router and card...they seem to be the easiest as far as configuration goes.
agreed...except I have the Linksys WAP and a dlink card for the laptop. the only problems there are is if you have a lot of things that woul dinterfere wihtthe wireless signal(wireless phones,etc) and even then,it depends onwhat frequency they operate on.
Thanks for all the advice...one last question, is it better to get a laptop with internal WiFi or buy the card and install it myself? Thanks again
the only possible reason that you might want to buy the pc card seperate is that some feel that having the WAP and the card from the same manufacturer is the best way to go...I havent found that to be true myself...I have been able to get differing manufacturers equipment to work well together every time. If buying a laptop now...I would go with the builtin...but I havent worked wiht any that had it builtin so I cant really say for sure if there are issues. It just seems cheaper in the long run to not have to buy extra cards afterwards.
I have an internal card for convenience, but if you need range certain external cards (+antenna) can give you better range.
