Connecting to the internet w/new laptop

[Sand]

Sorry for the first laptop newbie questions, but I'm kind of at a standstill. right now. I got the laptop setup to the point of Windows, but I don't know how to get connected to the Internet. I read everything I could find in the instruction book and IBM Access, but I don't understand the modem stuff. I called my ISP, and they said that I need to buy an NIC card so that I can use my server on both my desktop and laptop; it would cost about 30.00. They also talked about needing a router. Is this right? Can I just get these at Staples?

I thought everything I needed for these basic connections would be included with the pc. There is a modem cable here, but he said that is just for backup, or something.

Also, I'm regretting not getting the mouse, for now. Would any (cordless) be compatible with IBM, or should I order it from them?

Thanks in advance,
Sand

[egibbs]

You probably alreadt have a built in NIC - post your model number and we'll tell you for sure.

It sounds like you have a dial-up ISP. is that right? Sharing a dialup connection can be troublesome. You're probably better off to just hook the laptop up driectly to the phone line and dial-in directly to your ISP - if they can't tell you how to set up dial-up networking then you need a new ISP.

But you're better off to get a cable modem and a router (and change ISPs to your cable company). The cable modem gets hooked to the cable line, then you hook the router to the cable modem with a network cable, and run network cables from the router to the desktop and the laptop. Now either or both machines can be online at the same time.

Staples or CompUSA will have everything you need.

Any USB mouse should work.

Ed Gibbs

[Sand]

My model number is T42 2379 DXU.

I have cable, with Charter, not dial-up, so I already have a cable modem.They are my cable company for both TV and computer.

So, if I do have the built-in NIC, I still need to buy a router? Ask for 'cable router'? So I would hook the modem cable that came with the laptop to the 'cable router', and what is the 'network cable'?

Sorry for the dumb questions, but if the laptop is connected to all these cables, connected to the modem, how can it be used wireless in another place? I just don't understand. Is there visual instructions somewhere that would help me to see what goes where, like the set-up intructions for the battery and power cord?

Sand

[egibbs]

You have both a built in NIC and built in wireless.

You didn't say you wanted wireless - if that your goal, you need to buy a wireless router. You hook that to the cable modem with a network cable - there will be complete instructions in the router box. Then your laptop should be able to wirelessly connect to the router.

Be sure you read the section of the router manual on securing your connection nless you want to provide open access to your laptop and internet connection to the whole neighborhood.

If you have a desktop that you also want online you can either get a wireless USB adapter for it, or hook it to the router with a network cable (be sure you get a router with both wireless and wired capability if that the case).

Your best bet is to go to Staples and let the pimple faced kid explain it to you - just tell them what you want to do and they'll sell you a bunch of stuff you don't need and 3 year service agreements for all of it.

Oh wait - that doesn't sound like such a good idea. Try this - http://www.homenethelp.com/ and this http://www.cert.org/tech_tips/home_networks.html

Ed Gibbs

[lzy_tek]

Ok. Correct me if I am wrong here.

You have a cable modem;
You have a PC connect to that cable modem through PC's NIC port or USB port?

You bought a NB;

You want internet access from your NB
You want internet access from your NB through wireless

So,

You need to buy a wireless router.

Connect the cable modem to the wireless router;
Connect the PC to the wireless router through a network cable;
Your NB should connect to the wireless router automatically since it has Intel 2200BG;

[Sand]

Thanks for your answers, but I'm not sure I'm following it all.

To answer your questions though:

I have a cable modem, now with a desktop connected to it, I think it's a USB port. Not sure.

I bought the laptop so that I could have wireless portability.

I want internet access on both the desktop and laptop.

So. I should buy a wireless USB adapter (for the desktop),and a router that is both wireless and wired, and a network cable. Three things. Is that right?

Sorry, I can drive a car, but I don't know how it works inside.

Sand

[lzy_tek]

If your PC is close to your cable modem( I think this is the case since you are connecting your PC to the cable modem NOW), you don't need wireless on your PC. You can connect your PC directly to the wireless router through a network cable. You just need buy a wireless router and a network cable if you do not have already.

[Sand]

Thanks for sifting that down for me. I'll get those two things, a wired/wireless router and a network cable.

Thanks again to all that answered,
Sand