Hi everybody. If you have a desktop computer that you want to connect to your router but is just too far away to connect with an Ethernet cable, what is the best way to get the computer on the Internet? In this column we will talk about your options and the best way to go about it.

If your desktop computer is located either on a second floor or is in a remote location in your home, you will most likely need to connect using a wireless adapter. Be default, most laptops do not have a wireless card built in. In most cases you will have to purchase either an internal wireless card or a USB wireless card to add to your system. Either one is readily available at most consumer electronic stores and mass retail outlets. If you are not comfortable with removing the side of the computer to add hardware I would recommend the USB option. Before purchasing a card, be sure your router supports wireless connections. The majority of today’s routers will support this function. There are several brands out there and they all will do the job but it is always a good idea to get the same brand as your router for the best compatibility.

Once you purchase your equipment, you will have to use the enclosed disk to install the drivers. Once the drivers are installed you can plug the adapter into a free USB port and the new hardware wizard should install the adapter. In order to connect to the router you will have the use the password you set up for your wireless network in the router. If you do not know the password you will have to access the router (usually http://192.168.1.1) using a different computer that is hard wired to the router. Some routers are set up as http://192.168.2.1. Once you are at the routers homepage you will be asked your user name and password. Now you can view your wireless security settings to see what network password you have set up. Once you know your password, you will be able to enter it in the connection wizard so you can access your network.

Once your connection is established, you will want to check and see that your signal strength is good. You should have at least 3 bars to get decent Internet speed. If you do not have at least three bars then you will have to either adjust the location of the adapter, the computer or the router to help improve the signal strength. Once you have all this set up, you are ready to surf the web with no wires!

 

Author:  Joe Zelenak, Staff Writer