We are in the process of deciding which pc to by my 18yr old for Christmas but we have some questions that we need help with. We have a Lynksys Router & have seen that Vista does not work with them so we will have to load XP on it. Her "room" is upstairs, so what will be the best way to connect to the net etc? Will the wi-fi network reach her room ok or will we have to use cables? Is it likely that the "system" will be able to handle the traffic of three people surfing all at the same time? Will her connection (to the internet) speed be dependant on whether she uses wi-fi or cables? Hopefully you guys will undertsand what I am asking about, many thanks!
I've not heard about issues with Linksys and Vista, but I haven't researched it myself. As long as the wireless signal is strong, she shouldn't have any issues connecting to the net at a reasonable speed. (Of course you could just get a PC that uses XP instead! )
We read about the issue on a review for a pc on a store web site but eith way we want xp on it so its not so buggy!
Smart move. Avoid Vista like the plague. As Sam said, with the wireless, you shouldn't have connection problems, unless you live in a mansion.
Thanks, well we do live in an old house but it ain't a mansion!!! What will I need exactly to connect it wirelessly?
The computer that you get for her will have to have a wireless network adapter card. The computer should/will pick up your LinkSys.
You could potentially buy a USB dongle, but getting a proper PCI wireless card with an antenna will get you a better reception.
Thanks for the info! We have just bought the system & card so all we need now is a screen. Once the pc arrives we will get xp put on it etc etc! Whats a dongle by the way?