Karaoke Forums

Asking the computer gurus for help, this is not my area  :no: .  
Most laptops (or MANY) now have WiFi built in to be able to latch on to any wifi connection that has it available for internet.  I need to convert my desktop to have a WiFi internet connection - how would I go about doing so & what would I need?  Makes/models/links.

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Lonnie there are many usb WIFI adapters I currently use one that connects up to 1/2 mile away. Google usb wifi and you will find dozens of them. The Belkin is one of the standards.

link

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I use a Netgear 240 RangeMax router for my desktop.. But your mileage may vary..

So, actually, my desktop is wired and I use the wireless for my laptop.. Toshiba..

Range is everything.. Where is your connection? Yours, or your neighbors?  LMAO

What are your requirements? I presume it is Windows. The below assumes you just want to connect to your typical wireless network as a client.

If you just want basic connectivity for browsing the occasional web page, the USB adapters are usually the simplest to install. But they have obvious integration issues, i.e. you have to plug them in to something and they hang out and can get knocked out.

There are plenty of PCI boards out there, ranging from basic to more advanced.

Here is a cheap one:

 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=783131&sku=D700-5106

Here is a higher-priced one if you want more performance and range. It has an external "can" antenna.

 http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/specs.aspx?EDC=967969&cm_sp=Product-_-Specs-_-Main+Tab

If you are going to be a server (unlikely, but I thought I would mention it) then get the same boards along with a wireless access point/router to provide the network.

Yeah it's Windows.  Basically my club has wifi I was just told & I am looking into possibly subscribing to Tricerasoft to do some instant downloading of requests.  Not in a home setting, just need something that will catch their signal & provide the internet for such purpose.

I will take a look at all recommendations!  Thanks!!!

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I would think that the USB one will work well, since I know your setup is stable and secure. It has the advantage of being easily relocatable and not taking up a PCI slot.

However, if you have the PCI slot the inexpensive PCI card is your best bet, I think. It is self-contained and you don't have to worry about a cable, a connector, or drivers loading/unloading as you go along. I am betting it will be more stable, which is what
you want. My father runs one and his has been rock solid for quite a while.
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Lonman-

You need a wireless card added to your PC.  It's pretty simple, I'd put it somewhere on the beginner to intermediate side.

You basically have two choices for connectivity - USB adapter or PCI card.

If you are scared to open the case, grab the USB.  Unfortunately this sticks out of the USB slot like mckyj57 said.   But you could route it into your case with a USB extension cable.  But if you're willing to open the case, I'd recommend picking up a PCI wireless network card and install it.

PM me if you need help or have any questions.


You want to be very careful connecting to a wireless LAN (Wi-FI).  Most of these are unsecured, so make sure your computer is not vulnerable - Enable your firewall and disable any file sharing.  NEVER type credit card numbers over a public WI-FI network.  

Here's some tips on WI-FI security: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/yourse ... eless.mspx

If possible, I'd recommend you use a separate computer to do this.

I may want to go with the USB simply for location purpose.  The tower is on the floor in a cupbord so signal MAY be weaker???  
Again thanks for all suggestions!  Man this board rocks.....

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You can use a USB extension cable to route the USB WiFi up and out of the closet..  LOL

Stay safe..

Living in high rise on the north edge of campus and having students as customers does have it's advantages!!!!

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I've seen the USB WiFi dongles for $10.00 on sale..

Can't be too tough..

With the wireless setup.  Any customer that knows what you are doing could hijack the signal and your account and download eternity. On your dime.  From the parking lot.    Totally out of sight.    Look for my van.

I don't think he was asking that.  If the bar is supplying the wifi then it wouldn't matter anyway.  If they wanted to hack your account, they could do it whether they be in the bar or not.  
Why do you even respond to certain questions, you obviously don't have a clue.   Here's a quarter, go & get yourself one!

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[shadow=deepskyblue]I'm impressed, I've never met such a small mind inside such a big head before.[/shadow]

That is the issue.   He puts the bar owner at risk if it isn't his account and it gets hijacked.

With infastructure or station to station I run Zone Alarm. I am totally hidden from the network and behind 2 firewalls. It is the safest way to connect to the internet. My gig supplies free WIFI but you have to ask for a username and password. Even you could hook up in the parking lot you would not even see me.

With peer to peer or intranet you have to setup folders for sharing. Any critical data I have in the hidden mode by setting in folder properties..

Download and run Xpantispy and tick hide computer from network. Your ISP is not seen by any router or server.  

BTW I have run peer to peer wireless and accessed music from the mainframe to a laptop using Roxbox and could also do a show accessing music from a mainframe at home via internet. Dont Guess Ask!!!

Do not pay any attention to the paranoid media hypes. Now they are on a kick about gas stations cheating customers. According to them there is a drug dealer on every corner and in the middle of the block 2 flashers and at least one waiting to kidnap a kid. GAWD!!!

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When I get my computer system up in the club thy have offered my hookup to their land line. The office isn't far from the stage. Because I don't have a lot yet... only been at this a couple of years... it sounds like a good way to go for me. Is anyone doing this... grabbing songs you don't have from the internet onstage? Is it working?

I'm still ripping and this is so boring.....

There are a few people who download from the net during the show. One used to post here before.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

It is a feature we offer at our shows. The jukebox downloads from the internet. We do likewise.  However you do want a high speed WIFI connection.

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[highlight=red]I'm still ripping and this is so boring.....[/highlight]

Bill H: We're approaching completion of our ripping process - believe me, I know of what you speak. This is the most laborious task I've ever undertaken. Turned over 14,000 songs last night. Glad I'm not gigging 6 nights a week anymore - would NEVER get done.

Probably do maiden run with MTU Hoster next week after doing a full setup at home with tv's, etc.  I can't even IMAGINE how long it took these guys that have 90,000 songs listed in their ads to rip their CDGs (wink wink)

K

just think how boring it would be if you had to do it 1speed! hhhoooooooo!