Setting up a wireless network (HELP!)

[Nefrit]

OK this is my situation:

This coming Friday I will be getting Telewest broadband installed in my house, along with my PC there are 3 other PC's and 1 Laptop, making a total of 5 all using Windows. We are hoping to set up a wired/wireless network after the broadband arrives so we can all use the internet at the same time (the broadband connection by the way is 750). I am told that the Telewest modem is ethernet compatible which apparently is a good thing and means I dont have to buy a router + a new modem. So from what Ive gathered on my own it would seem what I need is a DSL Wireless Router along with wireless cards for each PC that wants to go wireless (is this correct?). The situation as it stands at the minute is that 2 PC's will be wired and 3 will be wireless and the only thing we really want the network for is so we can all access the internet at the same time- exchanging files and playing network games is not important.

Looking online I've found these 2 routers which would seem to suit my needs:

the Netgear MR814 802.11b ?48.99 from simply computers
and the Netgear WGR614 802.11g ?58.99 from BT

My questions then are,

1. Are these routers suitable for setting up a network between 4 PC's and a Laptop?

2. Are either of them better for what I will be using it?

3. Is a Network difficult to set up with no experience of such things?

and lastly,

4. How do I go about checking if my PC came with a network card? Its a Dimension 4700 from Dell but it doesn't seem to mention whether it has it or not in their product specs.

Any help would be greatl;y appreciated as Im getting a bit stressed from all the conflicting information store people are giving out!

[Brian Mc]

The difference between the b and g is that g was the latest revision and higher speed. I would go with the g, everybody has their own brand preferences, I like Linksys since they are owned by Cisco. I didn't look up the particular models you listed but the one with 802.11g and the big W at the beginning is usually a good sign that it is wireless. Look for the ethernet plug on the back of your PC or check 'network connections' to see the adapter.

[jessiesc]

This coming Friday I will be getting Telewest broadband installed in my house, along with my PC there are 3 other PC's and 1 Laptop, making a total of 5 all using Windows. We are hoping to set up a wired/wireless network after the broadband arrives so we can all use the internet at the same time (the broadband connection by the way is 750). I am told that the Telewest modem is ethernet compatible which apparently is a good thing and means I dont have to buy a router + a new modem. So from what Ive gathered on my own it would seem what I need is a DSL Wireless Router

You're conflicting here. You said you don't need a modem + router, then you say you need a wireless router. You may or may not need both, depending on the modem.

Some modems are wireless and direct connect. I have a dsl modem that is both.

along with wireless cards for each PC that wants to go wireless (is this correct?).

Correct

the Netgear MR814 802.11b ?48.99 from simply computers
and the Netgear WGR614 802.11g ?58.99 from BT

My questions then are,

1. Are these routers suitable for setting up a network between 4 PC's and a Laptop?

First you need to find out if the modem you are getting supports wireless as well. If it does, you don't need the wireless router.

2. Are either of them better for what I will be using it?

Get the one you feel most confortable with in your budget.
Most wireless routers also have direct connect. Personally I like linksys routers and have used them for years.

3. Is a Network difficult to set up with no experience of such things?

Yes and no. You didn't mention the version of windows. Some versions of windows are easier to setup then others. Vista as an example is piece of crap and can be difficult to setup, xp on the other hand is very easy.

Also depends on how you setup the network.

4. How do I go about checking if my PC came with a network card? Its a Dimension 4700 from Dell but it doesn't seem to mention whether it has it or not in their product specs.

As Brian suggests, look on the back of the computers and see if there is a network icon or jack to plug your cable into. It looks like a phone jack but is a little larger.

Im getting a bit stressed from all the conflicting information store people are giving out!

IMO most of these kids don't know jack about anything. Forget them and search the internet. The internet is where you are going to find the most helpful, non-biased information.

The most difficult thing about setting up a home network is making sure all computers are on the same "sub-domain". Here's a link to ms instructions for setting up a home network.

Good luck.

Btw, you're font and text are very difficult to read