Can I access the internet on a laptop via desktop pc without using cables?

Hello all!

I have tried "searching" on how/if this can be accomplished, but wasn't sure if what I was finding was what I needed to know--mostly because I couldn't understand any of it! (very computer illiterate here!)

My daughter has a laptop computer (Windows 98) that she used while at college (had ethernet connection there). She has recently moved from campus to share an apartment with girlfriends. One of them has a desktop computer (WinXP) that is hooked up to the internet via cable connection (I believe but not certain).

Is there anyway that she can connect this laptop to the internet without having to use wires/cables to connect to the internet through the desktop pc?? (doesn't want to have cables/wires running through the living room to her bedroom if possible.)

If this is possible, can someone explain to me what will be needed to make this connection work and how to go about setting it up? (Or is this something that would be considered way over my head and I shouldn't attempt it?) She does have permission to use her roommates computer, but as long as she has her own laptop, she would really like to be able to use it in her own room if she wanted.

Thanks for any help you can offer!
Vicki

 

Yes if they both have wireless cards. for more information, visit this how to setup wireless page, http://www.howtonetworking.com/wireless.htm

 

Thank you, chicagotech, for your reply and link. However, this is basically what I was referring to when I had said I had done some previous researching and didn't fully understand what I was reading. (Sorry, but I still find this very confusing).

From some of the information I have read about wireless connecting (after doing other various searching), I am under the impression I would probably need a wireless router (connected to the main pc) and then a wireless notebook card for the laptop? But again, I am a little (probably alot) confused about all of this!

If anyone could elaborate further on how this is done (connecting the laptop to the internet via the desktop connection) I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks again for trying to help this computer dummy!
Vicki

 

That is correct. You will needs a wireless network interface card installed into the laptop to be able to access a wireless network. Since you do not have a wireless network yet, you will need to purchase a wireless router. Go to your local computer store, CompUSA, Best Buy, etc. and explain to them what you are trying to accomplish.

Goodluck!

 

This could also be done with a wireless card for the notebook and a wireless card for the PC. Then set up Internet Connection Sharing.

However, I would go for the router. It will be more reliable and the PC will not have to be on for the notebook to access the Internet.

DRD

 

Then set up Internet Connection Sharing.

Do everything possible to stay away from ICS. With it if the main machine goes down NOBODY get to the Internet. I do not know for sure but I do not know if more than one machine can get online at the same time or not.

However, I would go for the router. It will be more reliable and the PC will not have to be on for the notebook to access the Internet.

Deffinetly the way to go.

I know more than one machine can be online this way. ( I have three on right now ) I have a Hardwired LAN but I guess Wireless would be the same.

BillyBob

 

Thank you everyone for your replies! This is such a wonderful place to come for help....I learn so much! (But as you can tell, I still have a long way to go before I can consider myself being computer savvy!)

I am thinking more of going with the router connection as I'm sure my daughter would like the option of being able to be on the internet without having the main PC online.

Of course this poses further questions for me. How does the router hook up to the main PC and how does using a router let me use the laptop to connect to the internet without the main PC being on? (Sorry if this was explained in the replies, but I might not be understanding it completely??)

I'm still waiting to hear from my daughter on the specs of these computers and when I do, I'm sure to have more questions!

Thanks again everyone!
Vicki

 

The router will be placed between the PC and the cable modem. Cable modem is plugged into WAN link and PC plugged into any of the remaining ports.

The laptop will be need a wireless network card and will communicate with the router using that medium.

Instructions will come with the router and the cable company's help desk should walk someone through the steps. It is not difficult, perhaps just intimidating.

DRD