Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Link Back -> Andrew Murray message board -> Chat section -> I need a geek!
Post Info TOPIC: I need a geek!
Madeline


Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Status: Offline
Posts: 12091
Date:
I need a geek!
Permalink  

Searching for computer help please!

I'm thinking of changing my broadband to Be* who are available at my exchange. The problem is, they expect you to use their supplied router which needs an ethernet connection and I don't think I have one. . .

My pc is 4 years old, and was bought from Evesham who pretty much build to order - they give you a basic model then a list of things you can have at extra cost and leave it to you to choose. I am pretty certain I declined networking as I knew I would never have more than one computer in the house: doesn't that mean I have no ethernet connection?

If I go into Control Panel>internet connections, it says "Local Area Connection, Network cable unplugged, NVIDIA nForce MCP Networking Con. . ."(and I'm blowed if I know what is supposed to come after the "Con.. .)

If I am right, would I be able to get around this by buying a network card and installing it in a PCI slot?

That would be about the sum total of my capabilities - I have just managed to upgrade my memory so I *think* I could manage that. Or am I barking up the wrong tree altogether?

Any help would be much appreciated!

__________________
RedCabbage


Club Coach

Status: Offline
Posts: 628
Date:
Permalink  

Your PC will need an ethernet port to connect to your router (think of it as a mini, functionally bereft computer whose only job it to connect to the world - it will have a modem inside for that job) - the only exception to this is if you wanted a wireless network, but you would still need a wireless network card for one of those (or a USB dongle).

There is an outside chance that your motherboard may have an ethernet socket in - some do, I believe. Check the back for a little square hole about 1cm across with a little clip bit. If it's not there then, yes, you will probably need a PCI network card. They are relatively inexpensive from your local PC World and even cheaper from Dabs or Novatech online. If you're not frightened to take the side off the PC they are pretty easy to fit (if you have XP or Vista, at least).

Any other questions please ask.

__________________
Madeline


Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Status: Offline
Posts: 12091
Date:
Permalink  

I haven't looked at the back yet as it is awkward to get at, but the handbook for the motherboard mentions a "LAN jack".  Would that be it? If so, does that mean that the router would just plug in there and work despite the fact that I don't have networking capabilities?

As you may gather I'm a bit clueless about all this! If I do decide to change ISP I don't much want to be having to run to PCWorld at the last minute, I would rather put in a network card beforehand. I can't have too long a downtime, can I - how would I follow the tennis!! laughing.gif

__________________
Drew


Admin:Moderator + All Time Great + britishtennis.net correspondant

Status: Offline
Posts: 11280
Date:
Permalink  

If it has a lan jack (RJ45) then you should be able to connect directly to the router.

You will need a cable...try and get a 3m one...or more if you need it.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/15m-Ethernet-RJ45-Network-Cable/dp/B000IT5PNA

This cable connects your pc to the router !

hope this helps


__________________

BTnet logo
Madeline


Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Status: Offline
Posts: 12091
Date:
Permalink  

Thanks Drew. The router comes supplied with a cable.

I must say I'm a bit nervous, I have been with the same provider since I first got broadband, but I really think I'm about to make the jump! Tiscali took over my current ISP and although nothing has changed much yet, I hear on Broadband Forums that they are about to change for the worse. And I do know how bad Tiscali can be, I was with them on dial-up.

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Link Back -> Andrew Murray message board -> Chat section -> I need a geek!
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard