Router

[dembee]

My daughter will be bringing her laptop when she visits and says I will need a router to enable her to connect to the internet. Can anyone make any recommendation?

[ACtheTROLL]

what do you use now?

[VHG]

A router allows a single internet connection to be shared amongst two or more computers.

If you already have a PC connected to the internet then she can use her laptop by simply unplugging the cable from your PC and plugging into her laptop.

She does not NEED a router if you and her are willing to take it in turns to use the internet on the single connection.

If she is staying for a long time, then it probably is worth getting a router.

You ask for recommendation.

Well it depends if you are on an ASDL phone line for broadband, or if you are on Virgin cable. They use different types of routers.

Also, I assume she will be using a wifi connection between her laptop and the router, so you will need to make sure the router is wi fi enabled.

There are a loads of brands that make good cheap routers such as NetGear, LinkSys, d Link and so on.

You can buy a router at PC World or any electronic shop that sells computers and computer parts.

Note that once you get a router it does need setting up, which may seem daunting if you are not very technical.

[VHG]

Here is the list of routers PC World sell (these are ADSL routers, NOT Virgin cable routers).

As you can see, they start from about �30.00

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0750795729.1227982445@@ @@&BV_EngineID=ccckadefkilfddjcflgceggdhhmdfog .0&page=ProductList&category_oid=-28359&show_a ll=true

For a home user with a relatively small home it is not worth paying a lot of money, extra money just tends to get you more range.

[dembee]

Thanks VHG but I have broadand from Virgin Cable. I think she wants a router so she can connect in a room other than the one where I have my PC.

[ACtheTROLL]

then you are a very indulgent dad ... 'cause it'll cost you �50.00+

make certain whatever you get has the cable option ... not all do

[VHG]

I also have Virgin Cable Broadband.

This is the router I have, not saying it is the best but it works fine for me on Virgin Cable at 20mb

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1080546436.1227985954@@ @@&BV_EngineID=ccefadefkmlhejhcflgceggdhhmdfoj .0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=25 0537&category_oid=-28361

[VHG]

Here is PC World's list of Cable routers

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_pag e.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1080546436.1227985954@@ @@&BV_EngineID=ccefadefkmlhejhcflgceggdhhmdfoj .0&page=ProductList&category_oid=-28361&show_a ll=true#(any):20:100:PageNo_1:SortOrder_DOWN

[dembee]

Thanks to you both that is very helpful to a technophobe mum.

[VHG]

Note that with Virgin Broadband you have to still use the Virgin supplied modem when using a router (Cable routers dont include the modem).

So your connection goes

Cable in -> Modem -> Router -> PC

[Ethel]

I have the Linksys 54 WRTG with my Virgin broadband.

Not a minutes problem in over 5 years

[Ethel]

You may be able to get a free one from Virgin:

http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html/internet/ wireless_howmuch.html

Worth a try

[Mr-Marvel]

I am a virgin cable user , i rang virgin up and they have sent me a router for �7.50, usually �37.50, because as they said, i was a good customer, if you have a virgin phone line just ring 151 its free,and choose the option that you want.