I have Windows XP Home on my desktop with a straight forward hook up to an ADSL modem/router (Zyxel 645) to access the internet. I also have a ThinkPad notebook running Windows 98 Standard.
I would like a simple home network that would allow me to network the PC to the notebook wirelessly. That is, keep the desktop wired and provide wireless access for my laptop. I am confused about routers and / or access points and would really appreciate advice on what to buy and how to hook up such a network. Forgive my ignorance and thanks a lot!

Buy this. Follow the instructions on the setup poster in the box - this takes about 15 minutes. By the end of the setup process, your desktop computer will be connected via wire to the router.

Buy a wifi card for your laptop. Plenty here. Follow the instructions that come with the card and/or the router to connect the laptop to the router.

That's it :)

You don't need to be confused about routers and access points because you don't really need to understand them to use them. A lot of people will try to make this kind of thing more complicated than it is. I don't know why - maybe they think it makes them look smart. Really though, "buy this, read and follw the instructions, plug it in, use it" is pretty much all you need to know. And now you do :)

Actually, since you already have a router, you might be better off connecting the wireless router as described in this post. Ignore the part about LAN gaming. Your setup will be the same because you're basically doing the same thing and using the router in the same way - as a switch (and a wireless access point) instead of a router. And it's still cheaper than a comparable AP :)

Thanks jimminy! I'll do it! Just two other questions: 1) will my dsl modem/router (zyxel 645) have to be bridge modeto be compatible with the Linksys router? 2) should the wifi notebook card be the same brand name as the router (in this case Linksys)? Thanks again.

To question 1) probably, if you connect it to the Linksys router's wan port. Probably not if you connect it to a lan port on the Linksys.

question 2) nope, not at all. You should probably find out if a card support windows 98 before you buy it however. The easiest way to do this is go to the manufacturer's site and see if you can find the win98 drivers for download.

Thanks! You've been a GREAT help!

Hey,
I took your advice. I set the Zyxel modem/router to bridge mode and installed a wirless router & notebook card. I had to have help from tech support but it's up and running now and seems to be running well. So far I have had not any problems with the differing OS versions (desktop WinXP & laptop Win98). Once again, thanks a lot for your help.

Glad you got it working, and thanks for the feedback.

i had homenetworking before i downgraded my package with aol, now they say i can still home net work but i do not no how to set this up and they wont tell me is there anyone out there that can give me instructions on the settings please?

zahra

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