Hi, I've been contemplating a wireless network between my 2 home computers for a little while now, however I am still in need of a little assistance with the idea. Neither of the 2 computers have a network card, and one has a broadband connection. I'm very interested in setting up a wireless network between us. So what exactly would I need? Will I just need a wireless router and 2 wireless network cards? Any help would be appreciated.

It's preferable to use a router. This allows you to use the other computer while the computer with the connection is swiched off, or heaven forbid, not behaving correctly. It also makes future expansion easier. You are likely to place a router near your connected computer. You can install an ordinary wired NIC on this computer. Then a wireless NIC on the other. I have three computers on my network. Mine is wired to the router. As an added bonus, I can shut down the wireless network to enforce the kids' bedtime.

p.s. Many of the newer routers have parental controls that you can shut down the access to selected computers by Mac Address at specified times of the day. Great for keeping the teens from surfing all night.

Just for clarification, the PC with broadband has a network card. That is how it connects to the broadband modem. If you go forward with the wireless router, it, the router would connect to the modem and your current modem connected PC would then connect to the router with the same cable unless you opt to go for all wireless. Then you would need to replace the existing network interface card (NIC) with a wireless NIC plus add wireless NICs to the other PCs to be connected. Generally, it is better to have at least one PC with wired connection to the router, makes for more reliable troubleshooting.

i have just got a new laptop ( toshiba a60 ) i am wanting to connect it to a wireless network so i am wanting a wireless pc card so i wanting to know if all pc cards are compatable with all laptops also which ones are the best as i would be wanting to use it for work to (out and about) so if anybodu could help me as i dont know much about these things i would be greatfull, Thank you Hayley

Hayley, you really should have posted your own thread. If you need to know more, start your own. Your laptop is fitted with an 802.11g wireless adaptor. The 'g' at the end is the important bit. It would be preferable to get another 'g' (54MHz) adaptor, but a 'b' (11MHz) will work fine at the lower speed. Oh, and give the 108MHz types a miss, they only work at that speed under exceptional circumstances. And they will cost more.

Thanks very much everyone, your help has been greatly appreciated. Also ClydeB, my ADSL modem is in fact connected to my computer through a usb cable unfortunately.