EggXpert

Hi, I am trying to set up a wireless network for a friend. I know quite a bit about computers but am getting more and more confused with too much info on  this subject. Does one (main) computer need to be wired and the rest can be wireless? Is it necessary to have a wireless router? One computer is running Windows XP Home Edition the other is running Windows XP Professional there is also a Laptop in the home but I am not sure which Windows OS it is running.  Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Casper9765:

Does one (main) computer need to be wired and the rest can be wireless?

Is it necessary to have a wireless router?

You do not need to have a wired computer.  You can wire (from the ISP) into the wifi router --- in fact that would be preferred. 

Is it necessary to have a wireless router?  No,but it is a lot more convenient. 

Can you let your ISP cable come into an Ethernet port and then use a wireless card or USB wifi fob to communicate with another computer with a similar card and share the ISP?  Absolutely.

You will not get one of the key benefits to having a wifi router -- the hardware firewall.   

Download the manual for the card(s) or routers you want to purchase and follow their instructions.

I would recommend final N protocol which should be coming out this month, but it will cost $$$ at first.  G protocol can be had for a great price and works well for most things.  If you go either route make sure is supports WPA2 with AES.  If you go the N protocol route I would pay extra for dual band (2.4GHZ/ 5GHz).  5GHz gives you almost two dozen discrete channels and greater range.  Less interference from cell phones, microwaves, etc.