Home Networking Question

[freddyprinze]

I have another dumb question as I am still not a tech person!

I currently have a D-link router with a USB "receiver" at the other computer linked to my wireless home network. (This was set up by a friend of mine).

The router has seemingly failed after a few years as discussed in a different thread.

I would like to purchase a new router, however I am not sure how the "receiving" computer will receive the wireless signal if I do not use the USB receiver from the previous set-up. Is there a built-in wireless receiver in my other home computer or do I need to buy something else to achieve this? I am not sure if the USB receiver is part of the problem with the previous router so I would prefer to buy a new receiver if needed.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[baxbunny]

What it sounds like is that you have a wireless card that connects to the USB of your computer. This wireless card is probably a wireless G card. And almost any router out there will be compatible with it.

[JAC]

Is there a built-in wireless receiver in my other home computer

There is no way for us to know this for sure without the exact make and model of the PC. If you don't see a plastic antenna on the back of the PC, though, you probably don't have one.

[01s0uljah]

To the OP:

Your USB wireless stick will work with almost all Wireless Routers. Just try to buy a G or an N router and it will connect the same way in Windows to your wireless router.

When setting up the Router, make sure to enable at least WEP encrytion or WPA security. This will stop anybody from parking outside your house and using your connection.

Any other questions, please shoot me a PM.

[freddyprinze]

Thanks everyone for the info! My computer is a Dell Dimension XPS with pentium 4 chip and 1GB RAM. Not sure about if there is anything inside that receives the wireless signal...but I think the answers are above.