Hi Guys Need some help. I have an Evesham Computer UK which is getting on in years say 5 years old. It uses XP SP3 but is not geared up for wireless operation. Eventually I am going to replace it, again with with a PC as opposed to a laptop. I assume this will come complete with the wireless facility. In the meantime I had to buy a new printer (Epson Stylus SX 400) which is connected via USB to my existing computer. I also have a Voyager 105 ADSL USB modem. Question 1) When I replace my computer with a wireless setup can I still use my USB modem? 2) I have a laptop also and would like to share my printer with my new wireless PC and laptop. How can I use my existing USB printer a) shared, b)wireless In other words what is the best, most cost effective way of making my printer wireless and shared independent of any one computer. Thanks for your help Terry
Hi Brian Because it doesn't have some of the components needed (as I understand it) such as an ethernet card for one. Because its a fairly old computer and I am relatively non techie, I did not want to get involved in an upgrade only for it to last a short while. I was thinking of making the change to wireless when I buy my next computer, in which hopefully most components will be installed. Terry
Terry, You will need a wireless router for your new computer so you may as well get it now. A wireless card for your current computer will cost $20 to $30 and you will be up and running. Then you can relax about buying your next computer. I have a 10 year old computer running happily with wireless.
Most desktop PCs do not come with wireless capability as standard. Ask your PC vendor for a wireless adapter at time of purchase. If that is not a purchase option, you can purchase a wireless adapter separately for £20 - £30 (I assume from your post that you are UK based). The easiest and most flexible option is to buy a USB adapter, but you can also get wireless adapters which you install internally in a spare PCI-X (or PCI) slot. No. Your wireless router will have an integrated modem, so your USB modem will become obsolete. Make sure you get the right kind of wireless router - there are those for use on cable (which don't have an internal modem, but use an Ethernet connection to the cable modem you are assumed to already have), and those for use on telephone lines. For a degree of future proofing, look for a router which offers ADSL2+ compatibility. This is difficult with the SX400, which is not (Ethernet or wireless) network-enabled. You can get a so-called print server, which is a box that connects to your router (either wirelessly or via an Ethernet patch cable) and provides a USB port to connect your printer. Costs are £40 - £60-ish. The advantage of this is that you can print from any network-connected computer, but you probebaly won't be able to use any of the other functions, such as the scanner from a computer. You will still be able to copy locally on the printer. Alternatively, a no-cost option is to connect the SX400 to one of your computers (the desktop, principally) via USB, and then use Windows networking to 'share' the printer on the network. You can then print to the SX400 from any netwok-connected computer, provided your desktop computer is switched on at the time. You can also use your printer's other functions from your desktop computer. If you want easy sharing of a printer with full access to functions from all computers, you will need to replace your SX400 with a network ready printer. Typical prices are currently around £70+ (though you can end up paying much more).
Are you sure ? I have a 5 years old computer (Windows XP Home Edition). I'm not familiar with your technical setup. My computer came with an ethernet card (I don't know if I COULD use it for wireless communication). Are you sure you don't have one ? I can use my ethernet card to connect my computer directly to my modem, by wire. I don't know if I could use it for wireless communication. For wireless, I prefer a USB adapter (plus router) instead.
Hi Fly Thanks for your reply Answer to your question is "Certain" (that I do not have an an ethernet card installed) Terry
