Ethernet troubles

[Benzhiyi]

Hello,

I'm in the process of moving over to a wireless internet connection in order to use Xbox Live and improve my PC connection. However, I have a bit of a problem in that my PC doesn't have an ethernet port.

I've spent a while trawling the internet but haven't been able to discover, in layman's terms, the solution for this. Is it just as simple as buying a USB to Ethernet adapter - like this: http://www.directusbstore.co.uk/cnb/shop/directusbstore?productID=135&op=catalogue-product_info-null&prodCategoryID=30 - or do I need to do something else?

All help gratefully received.

[Neil]

I'm sure that would work Ben, or, failing that, a network card, like

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1651280838.116032121 7@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdfaddjdeljhfjcflgceggdhhmdgmk.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=679808&category_oid=

Good luck!

[Benzhiyi]

Cheers. Do I also need one of these babies?

http://www.orange.dslshop.co.uk/index.asp?idProduct=587

Orange's FAQ is very vague - possibly because they want you to buy as many of their products as you can afford.

[cumbrian_eagles]

I'd suggest going with an ethernet card, never used an adapter as you mentioned, plus it doesn't take up a USB port.

[cumbrian_eagles]

If your PC is next to your router no, hook it up wired.

[Benzhiyi]

Here's Orange's advice:

"Can other people access my broadband connection - how do I know it's secure?
Your Livebox has its own unique security code, so no one else can link to the Internet using your connection.

What do I need to get wireless?
You need a computer with Windows 98 or later, a CD-Rom drive and an Ethernet port. If you haven't got a wireless-enabled computer, you'll need a wireless adaptor. You can buy one for £29.99 from our accessories shop or when you join."

You get one of their Liveboxes free when you upgrade your account, but my computer isn't wireless-enabled so according to them I need this adaptor as well as an ethernet card or USB lead. Is that incorrect? I'm more confused now...

[cumbrian_eagles]

You don't need to buy one of thiers at 29.99, you should just be able to use a USB wireless dongle, you can probably pick on up for about half the price. You don't need both wired and wireless one or the other is fine.

[Batsta]

You should be able to use a USB to ethernet without a problem. Your laptop/PC will see It as a network card complete with MAC address.