inherited T21

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qika · #1 Post by **qika** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 4:19 am

Dad handed down his never used laptop to me and I am new to these things so I some need help if you don't mind.

All the info I have on it:
T21 2647-6BU
Windows 2000 Pro (NT)
CPU Type - Pentium III
CPU Speed - 750 MH
Memory - 384mb (upgraded)
BIOS Version 1.02A
BIOS Date 10/17/2000
FAT32

I would like to know if I could use this wireless (take it with me everywhere I go, cafes, school, vacation, etc) and at home (home-networking with a router)?? Please advise on what I would need to buy for the above-mentioned and for max performance. I would like to change to XP (if possible) and with little effort to avoid making mistakes during the process, because I have very little computer knowledge. Any changes to BIOS, FAT32, what cards would I need to use it wireless (if possible) and so on? I checked the Control Panel and it lists a Wireless Link icon, is that an indication that I can use it wireless? Sorry for the questions, I really have no idea about these things.

Anything you would recommend for the average computer user (mostly an email, news-site, shopping, etc. type of user)? If I have left anything out, please advise. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance.

BillD · #2 Post by **BillD** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 6:22 am

All you need is a PCMCIA wireless card.. Dlink,Linksys,Netgear,any one and others will work..

Put the CD that comes with the card in you T21,and run the software.. Then insert the card in the PCMCIA slot and you're good to go, of course you'll need a wireless network near you to connect to....

For home networking you need a broadband hookup(Verizon DSL,Road Runner,etc.) and a wireless router..

2 other things...If your T21 already has Win2000 on it I'd stay with that..Win2000 runs better and faster on older machines then WinXP...

That wireless link icon you mentioned is not for wireless networking..Once you get your wireless PCMCIA card working that connection will show up under the network connections icon...

qika · #3 Post by **qika** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:06 pm

Thank you very much for the quick reply. Per your advice, I purchased a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router and Wireless-G Notebook Adapter, they are both working perfectly. Much easier to install than I thought it would be. I really appreciate the help. Thanks again.

edit: Should I get a WiFi locator? Antenna? Or should I be fine now?

Nolonemo · #4 Post by **Nolonemo** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:50 pm

You'll be fine, you only need an antenna if your signal is marginal. I've tried a booster antenna on my D-Link router, and didn't see much difference, other folks rave about them.

For a free wifi "sniffer" that will run on the Thinkpad, you can try netstumber or boingo. Google to find the download site for netstumber, boingo is at boingo.com (just set the boingo perferences to not start automatically with windows and not to connect to a network automatically.

Also, remember to set up encryption in your router and laptop, otherwise anyone can "eavesdrop" on your wireless activity.

BillD · #5 Post by **BillD** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:10 pm

Also, remember to set up encryption in your router and laptop, otherwise anyone can "eavesdrop" on your wireless activity.

Good advice...If you can't do it find a friend or coworker who can help you out...

Thank you very much for the quick reply. Per your advice, I purchased a Linksys Wireless-G Broadband Router and Wireless-G Notebook Adapter, they are both working perfectly. Much easier to install than I thought it would be. I really appreciate the help. Thanks again.

You're welcome...

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