How do I get internet / wireless router?

I am quite confused... I have a "Intel 3945 802.11a/g Dual-Band Mini Card" on my Dell Latitude D630, but how do I get internet? I have a Shaw internet connection on my desktop computer with a non-wireless router. If I buy a new wireless router, do I have to get rid of my old one? Or can I just buy a new router and use it JUST for my laptop? You see, the desktop router connects 2 computers so if I have to disconnect, it is troublesome...

I was also told after I buy a wireless router, I have to call the company that made it to set it up? Is it a lot of work or should I call in a computer tech to do it?

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who replies!!!

EDIT: When I go to buy one, does it matter what I get, or is any "wireless router" good/compatible?

 

You can connect your new wireless router to your existing router. You just need to assign a static IP address to it for admin (access). Turn off DHCP then use a cat5 cable and connect to one of the lan ports from the existing router (lan to lan), NOT the WAN or ISP.

There is no reason to have cable company to config your system. You should have the connection info.

 

Oh...ok, I get the gist of what you are saying, but unfortunately I am not too familiar with the terms you are using I'm so sorry...can someone explain in simpler terms?

Thank you by the way

 

lets see if i can break what blue said above.....

basically...you can connect a new wireless router to your existing router.

What you need to do:

1) Buy your wireless router + 1 cat5 cable (most likely the same type of cable which you connect your computer to your existing router with)
2) In the same way you connect your computers to the existing router....connect the new wireless one to the existing router....if you go ahead and buy one.....telling you which port to put it into should be much easier (provided you give us a model number)......
3)You need to change the settings on your original router to assign this third device on it (the new router) a static IP address.....(in a similar way if you have a network printer)...and you also need to turn off DHCP on the new router.....
4)You will need to setup your wireless settings on the new router so that it works....and your laptop can access it.

Hope this helps

As i said....we can help you a lot more if you can tell us which wireless router you have/plan on getting....if you need help choosing let us know.

Edit:I think the best option for you however is to get a wireless access point (cheaper than a router)...and connect that to the existing router

 

If your current router is old I would just get a newer router, less headaches. The new router will work out of the box, if not, we are here to help you.

 

I just bought a wireless router by myself.

1. You must trash your old router.
2. You just need to plung your desktop modem cable to the router. It will work right the way.
3. You wireless router will recongize your wireless card right the way. Just follow the installation guidline and say "I agree", and "next" many times.
4. The only problem you will face is to lock up wireless access, so none of your neighbor may use your internet access. I call the service, 3 minutes later, it is locked up.

Most of the routers companies have technical support outside the U.S. I was suprised they speak English well.

 

I just installed the router yesterday. It works on my main computer, but I can't seems to get internet on my laptop and other computer. I only touched the main computer. Do I need to do something to get it working on the other 2 machines?? Is there a way that I can get internet while on campus at school as well?

Thanks for the lock up tip as well! I will be sure to do that!

 

Most routers are plug and play...meaning, you plug them in and they work right away. The only real things you need to do are setting static ip's and what not. Bunch of guides here

And do you mean accessing the internet you have at home at your college campus? If that's what you mean, then no...unless your house is in the middle of your campus and your classroom is right next to your house in the middle of your campus. Most universities have their own wireless internet, just go to your tech department and have them set it up for you. If you know others who use the internet at school, they may know the login/password for the internet. If you're using Vista, one thing I've noticed about it, is that it's pretty good at easily recognizing new network connections and what not, at least for me it is.

 

Unplug all the power jacks for DSL modem and router. Make sure you know which one is for DSL modem, and which one is for router. If you connect incorrectly, router has a chance to burn out. Then:
1. DSL cable from the wall is connected to DSL Modem.
2. DSL Modem is conneted with your wireless router jack "To Modem" or "Modem".
3. Hook your desktop computer modem connector to wireless router jack 1, 2, 3 or 4.

O.K. Now plug the power jacks back to DSL modem and router. Your DSL modem and wireless router will turn on together. Please make sure wait until all DSL modem lights turn green (except data light), then check on your wireless router and make sure all the lights are on with O.K. lights (except security light) are on(some of them have Green/Red, some of them have blue/yellow). If you see any not O.K. light, there is something wrong.

IF all the O.K. lights are on, turn on your computer. After your see the window screen, wait about 30 seconds and the right bottom concern shall notify you detect a wireless router and connected. Then wait another 30 seconds, try the internet explorer. You shall see MSN.com.

Regarding to Security light, you shall call router's tech support. They will help you.