MetaChat - Question for computer savvy MeChas...

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07 March 2009

Question for computer savvy MeChas... →[More:]I was given a 10 year old Gateway desktop computer. Currently, I have wireless internet in my house - and I don't see a cable hookup for this computer (it's for my 12 year old). It's supposed to take a phone line. Now, I get cable, phone, and internet through my cable service. Would it work with a phone line (of all the wires it came with, that one is missing)? I am no good with computers (which is why I love my laptop) and Mr. V always handled these sorts of things, so if anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. Thank you!

post by: redvixen at: 17:24 | 9 comments

The simplest solution for you would be to just get a wireless USB adapter (like this, for example). Just plug it into the desktop's usb port, follow the instructions for installation and voila.

On the other hand if it has an ethernet port, you could just run a ethernet cable from a free spot on the modem to this desktop. This is assuming the desktop and the modem are somewhat close by.

posted by special-k 07 March | 17:37

1999, ouch! Pre-USB? Can you post a photo of its backside? You may have to install a card.

posted by Ardiril 07 March | 18:03

If it's really 10 years old, make sure it's running at least Windows 98 Second Edition before trying wireless. We use this internal card on our Win98 SE machine. It frankly sucks, but works most of the time.

posted by DarkForest 07 March | 18:05

Oh, and you can't use it with the phone line unless you get a dial-up internet subscription. I doubt that comes with your current tv/phone/internet package.

posted by DarkForest 07 March | 18:11

Thank you everyone! Yes, it's really 10 years old (I was given all the paperwork/books/information that came with it - including the receipt. For $1900.00 in 1999). I thought there was some sort of adaptor, so I really appreciate the information. Heading for the store tomorrow!

posted by redvixen 07 March | 18:41

1999, ouch! Pre-USB?

USB had been around for a while by '99. My '98 IBM Aptiva that's been faithfully chugging along as a file server for years has two USB ports.

posted by octothorpe 07 March | 19:17

Hey RV, the computer I'm using now is from 2001. (It's colossally huge -- I mean WTF, I've been so spoiled by using Macs the last 10 years -- but irritatingly impotent, ugly beige desktop)

I'm choosing to look at it as an exercise in simplicity, austerity, patience... redefining what I "need" vs. what I need. So far it's sort of working.

posted by loiseau 07 March | 22:24

Win98 SE is ... a little undermuscled for boxing off internet nasties. It hasn't been supported since 2006. Can you run a user-friendly Linux such as Ubuntu?

posted by stilicho 08 March | 01:50

Your kid would have much more fun if he ran unix on that. I don't do desktop-unix but my pals who do are big fans of unbuntu, easy-peasy.

posted by dabitch 08 March | 13:43

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