What are good wireless options for an old computer?

[Ultimate Matt X]

I have an old 650 mhz computer that I just got back up and running so my mom could net surf with it. I already have a wireless router and since this computer is kind of far what are my best options? Honestly, not having to open the case is worth spending a few more bucks to me.

Are there any good usb wireless adapters I can buy? I already had a USB device (Belkin something, I need to check) for it that I usecd with my DS, but I don't know if it'll work with this or not. How cheap are wireless network cards at this point if I just open the case?

Finally, if I just go corded how much is around 30 feet of network cord?

Thanks to anyone that can help.

[Ultimate Matt X]

Okay I checked the name of my access point is the Belkin Wireless Access Point IEEE 802.11b/11Mbps (model #F5D6130). I also have a wireless router on my current computer if that helps connect this thing.

[espy605]

That adaptor you have should work with her computer.

Cheap USB wifi adaptors are as low as $10 (generic) when they're on sale at Fry's. I wouldn't pay more than 20. If your mother's computer is that old, you should stick to 802.11b as her USB port wouldn't be able to take advantage of the higher speeds offered by 802.11g.


I suspect you aren't entirely familiar with wireless networking because your use of terminology is kind of confusing.

You already have a router and a USB wireless adaptor. Why do you need another one? If you don't know if it'll work or not, you should try it out before investing in another one. 30ft of ethernet cable is pretty cheap, but it can be a pain to run it through a house. But if that's the distance between the router and your mom's computer, that isn't far at all, especially for wireless.

[Ultimate Matt X]

I'm familiar with wireless networking a bit, its just my use of the English language that needs work. :)

See what is going on is my new computer has a wireless router/modem combo with it already. Well, previously I didn't have this and I wanted to get my DS online so that is why I bought the Belkin device that I have. This isn't USB, its something that I connected directly to my old wired router. I still also have this router available if I need it.

My goal is, if possible, to connect the Belkin access point to the network card of the old computer my mom is now using so it can reach the wireless router I am now using. If not I'll need the longer cord, new network card, or whatever device will get it going. My preference is for it to be cheap and not require me opening the case.

[espy605]

I already had a USB device (Belkin something, I need to check)
This isn't USB, its something that I connected directly to my old wired router.

So you can see how someone might be confused.


My goal is, if possible, to connect the Belkin access point to the network card of the old computer my mom is now using so it can reach the wireless router I am now using. If not I'll need the longer cord, new network card, or whatever device will get it going. My preference is for it to be cheap and not require me opening the case.

This won't work. I looked up the Belkin device you bought. All it does is act as a wireless router of sorts, similar to the official Nintendo USB device for getting the DS online, and it won't work as a network interface card.

I didn't know they made wireless router/modem combos, but if that's the case, you only need to get a USB wireless adaptor.


Cheap USB wifi adaptors are as low as $10 (generic) when they're on sale at Fry's. I wouldn't pay more than 20. If your mother's computer is that old, you should stick to 802.11b as her USB port wouldn't be able to take advantage of the higher speeds offered by 802.11g.

Only get 802.11b if it's cheaper. If 802.11g is the only one on sale, just buy that, it's backwards compatible. You won't need to open your computer and you'll just have to install the drivers for it. Office supply stores (e.g. Office Depot, Office Max, Best Buy, Staples) often put one on sale for $20. Just keep an eye out in the papers.

[zewone]

This would work, but they just raised the price back to $50. You can find them on eBay for about ~$20.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107671

[Ultimate Matt X]

So you can see how someone might be confused.



This won't work. I looked up the Belkin device you bought. All it does is act as a wireless router of sorts, similar to the official Nintendo USB device for getting the DS online, and it won't work as a network interface card.

I didn't know they made wireless router/modem combos, but if that's the case, you only need to get a USB wireless adaptor.



Only get 802.11b if it's cheaper. If 802.11g is the only one on sale, just buy that, it's backwards compatible. You won't need to open your computer and you'll just have to install the drivers for it. Office supply stores (e.g. Office Depot, Office Max, Best Buy, Staples) often put one on sale for $20. Just keep an eye out in the papers.

Yeah sorry about the USB part. I initially thought it was USB, but when I looked it up I realized it just connects with network cable and didn't correct that in the beginning of the post.

zewone, thanks for the info I'll check that out.