Well I am about a tard when it comes to this stuff, 10 years ago I used to keep up with this stuff but work/business keeps me way too busy anymore.  So.....

I have a "primary" desk top (HP a6120n) this is where the cable modem is and is currently hooked up via eithernet cable to the "primary" PC.  I would like to get the kids PC (a 7 year old home build I did that is running WinXP and a Intel P4 IIRC) hooked up to the internet along with a Dell lap top I have yet to buy.

So I am thinking I will be needing a wireless router, a PCI wireless card for the kids PC, and the lap top should come with a wireless card and we'll be good to go, correct?

Next what router to get?  I see there are b, g, and n routers and have no clue what is what and which one is better?  

Also is there a way I can access the kids PC via the lap top or the primary PC to see what they are doing on it, they are kids so I gotta keep a eye on them although I may get scared...

I'll also need to pick up a "signal" I guess you could call it for the lap top outside in my shop (detached from the house) off this network, is that going to be possible?

So in short I really have no idea what I need and don't want to spend a thousands getting the best of the best just want to get good hardware that is "up to date".

Thanks for any help in advance!
Jerry

no help for the we todd did person?

yes, basically you need a wireless router.
b, g and N are the different speeds and sometimes range.
N is the latest and fastest, for streaming movies and such.
They are all backwards compatible.

G is good enough for surfing the web and some movies. Since it is "last years model" you can get some okay deals, but since people are gearing up to build N, you can get some pretty good deals there too. Just saying you have options.

The wireless router should have regular ether net ports in it as well. So you can plug the cable modem into the router, your regular pc into the router and then let everone one else work wirelessly.

You have a couple of choices in getting the other desktop on the wireless network. They do make cards you can insert, they make USB adapters, and they make an item called wireless network adapter that lets you plug it in via normal network cable. Most times the USB version will be the cheapest way to go.


While a lot of laptops have wireless built in, not all do. You will have to check your specs.

As for range, you will just have to check. you could put up a repeater, but just depends on how far away you really are. Most times I can see 4 or 5 other house's networks in my neighborhood.


As for seeing on the other machine, you will be on the same network, so anything that lets you do that should work. The only issue is the only tools I can think of bump the other person off the machine when you look in. someone else may know a better desktop sharing program. Net meeting works, but they have to acknolege you looking.

Thank you sir for your help.  I've been looking and "n" seems the way to go.  The Dell lap top says it has a wireless "n" card so I am guessing it is good to go.  Any advantage as far as performance in USB vs. PCI in the kids PC?  Also the range for the lap top will be at most 150' and through two block buildings.

the pci usually have better antenna. Usually the limitation is either enough slots or drivers.
The variations allow you differnent choices to get on if for instance your os doesn't support the usb driver for an adapter, or you are out of slots.
So I would check what the manufature has listed as suported os, (which xp should be fine) before I purchases, you can get them all in about the same price range. Buffalo is my prefered.

Some people prefer the usb so you can take it with you and turn anything wireless.

150 feet is pretty far. you would have to just try it first and then consider a repeater. Would be a waste of money till then.