I have no idea where to start with networking my computer. I've googled but I'm just getting confused. I have windows XP home and my daughter is getting a vista laptop notebook for xmas. What do I need to network them? I've noticed there are plenty bluetooth wireless adapters in ebay, is this what I need? Do I need one for each computer? What else do I need to know?

Thanks

Hi. how will the PCs connect to each other? XP wired Vista wireless? Its not hard but we need to know what you want to do with your network and internetconnection.

I was hoping to have it all wireless, hopefully by usb ports, I've got plenty of them on the pc, and there are a couple on the notebook.

More than likely the laptop will have a wireless adapter as part of the hardware (check the laptops manual). So all you will have to do is purchase a wireless usb adapter for the other PC. I assume your router is wireless compatible?
Here is a link for you to have a look at http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm
I would recommend getting both computers set up on the net first then allow sharing between the two PCs.

What networking equipment do you have already?

Depending on the capabilities of the router you get/have,
and assuming you have a broadband internet connection,

A] (if your router and modem are separate pieces of equipment)

[internet enabled phone jack]
use phone wire to connect to
[modem]
connects via ethernet cable to
[wireless router]
connects via wireless signal to

a. wireless adapter (probably) already installed on laptop
(therefore no USB wireless required for laptop)
b. wireless adapter attached to XP PC via USB
(see http://www.dabs.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2576)

- or -

B] (if your router has modem capability, therefore no separate modem required)

[internet enabled phone jack]
use phone wire to connect to
[wireless router with modem capability]
connects via wireless signal to

a. wireless adapter (probably) already installed on laptop
(therefore no USB wireless required for laptop)
b. wireless adapter attached to XP PC via USB
(see http://www.dabs.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2576)

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A couple of definitions for your reference:

ethernet cable - a cord that is similar to your average phone cord, but the ends are about twice as wide as those that would fit in a modular phone jack. used for connecting ethernet hardware.
ISP - internet service provider, British Telecom and Verizon are a couple of examples. They often provide a modem or modem/router to their customers.
modem - a piece of equipment that dials-in to your ISP and then provides the signal
wireless adapter - a piece of equipment usually built into computers that receives and sends wireless signals. some may be attached to their computers via other means, such as USB.


Hope it helps a little.

Sorry - those links I posted are bad now for some reason. Please ignore them.

I already have broadband on the pc. I connect using seimens speedstream 4200. It's a router as well. Just about all the info on the notebook is on the drive, so I can't access it at the moment, It's a surprise christmas present.

Judging by what I've read in the manual, your modem/router is not wireless capable. In that case, one option is to purchase a Wireless Access Point and attach it to your router so that the signal will be broadcast through your home. Be careful, though, because you may need a cross-over cable to connect the two (see the diagram on page 7 of the manual).

[EDIT]
Another option is to replace your current modem/router with one that is wireless capable. If you want to try this, just be sure your ISP supports it. In general, you shouldn't have any problems going this route. (You will need to know your ISP login info to set it up, though!)

It's beginning to sound too difficult and expensive. We might have to leave it for a bit. Thanks for your help.

Jen

Well I cant help with the expensive part, but if you need any guidance later on feel free to ask.

Thankyou so much for your help.