artfullink,

You'll need a wireless router, like the Linksys WRT54G, but really any major brand will be fine (Linksys, D-Link, Belkin, Netgear).  Expect to pay about US$50 after rebates.  The D4600s will connect to the router with an ethernet cable.  The router in turn connects to the cable modem using another ethernet cable.  This assumes the cable modem can connect via ethernet,  If it can't, post back.  The I5100 will connect via wireless.  The three computers make up your local area network and will share internet access as well as be able to perform File and Printer Sharing.  The tutorils at Homenethelp.com will give you additional information.

Post back if you have additional questions.

Hey Paladin,

 

Thanks for the quick reply.  That sounds real easy.  Yes the as it stands now, cable modem connects via ethernet.  Does the wireless router come with instructions on how to set it up?  Also, will I need a wireless adapter for the laptop?

 

Since the laptop used a different ISP, will I have to make any changes so that it will connect to my ISP?

 

Sorry for asking so many basic questions but I really don't know much about this.  I am going to get the wireless router and will be ready to do all the hook ups in about 2 weeks.  Can I post back if I have more questions?

artfullink,

 

Yes, the router will come with full instructions, most probably as a .pdf file on the installation CD.  There will also be a printed quick install guide.  Don't install the router's installation software.  Instead, use the router's "web based configuration tool."  This will be explained in the installation manual, but basically you use a web browser, like Internet Explorer, to access the configuration tool built into the router.  Although it's called a web based configuration tool, you do not need to be connected to the internet, just the router.

 

You may need a wireless adapter for the laptop.  Check the documentation that came with it to see if one is already included.  You can also open Device Manager on the laptop and expand the Network Adapters entry.  If the laptop has a wireless adapter in it, it will appear there.  Of course, if you only want to connect the laptop via ethernet cable, you do not need to buy anything else.  The laptop comes standard with a wired network interface.  You can also obtain the laptop's configuration online.  Hover your mouse pointer over the Product Support link above and select Service & Warranties.  Fill in the laptop's service tag number and click the appropriate Configuration tab.  The router can handle up to four wired PCs.

 

The only laptop changes that should need to be changed will be for email, assuming an email client like Outlook Express or Outlook was in use.  The old email account will be abandoned, so if the laptop owner is getting a new email address from the new ISP the email client will have to be configured with the appropriate address and mail server information.  Your ISP can help you with this or they may have instructions on their web site.

 

"Can I post back if I have more questions?" - Absolutely.  That's what the forum is for.

artfullink,

 

No, neither of those adapters is a wireless network adapter.  The 1394 Net Adapter is a Firewire adapter, good for connecting cameras, camcorders and external hard drives.  The Broadcom 440x is the wired ethernet network interface.

 

To make absolutely sure the I5100 does not have a wireless network adapter, follow the instructions  here  and open the mini-pci access door on the bottom of the laptop and make sure the mini-pci slot is empty.  If it is, you have two options: purchase a mini-pci wireles network adapter, such as the Dell Truemobile 1350, or purchase a PCMCIA wireless network adapter at a local store like Best Buy, Staples, etc.  An example of a PCMCIA wireless network adapter is the Linksys WPC54G.  The downside of using a PCMCIA card is that it sticks out the side of the laptop since it uses one of the card slots.

 

You will have to contact Dell to buy a Truemobile mini-pci card.  Or you may find one on eBay.  I'm not totally familiar with the Truemobile product line and the TM1350 may have been replaced by a newer model, possibly the 1370.  A Truemobile 1450 or 1470 mini-pci would also work well.  Stay away from the Intel 2200BG or Intel 2915ABG.  This forum is full of problems with those cards.  If you are interested in a Truemobile mini-pci card make sure what you are looking at is truely mini-pci.  Dell used the Truemobile 1350/1370/1450/1470 name for both mini-pci cards and PCMCIA cards.

 

What is the Service Tag number of the laptop?

The service tag # is 4GJZN21.

 

I opened the access door and there is a big empty space where the mini-pci slot is.  OK I will check out getting a PCMCIA wireless network adapter.

 

You have been so helpful!!!!

 

Thanks,

Maggie 

Paladin,

 

I checked out the Dell Wireless 1450 802.11a/b/g WLAN mnin PCI card. Is this compatible with the I5100?  I would prefer to not have anything stick out the side of the laptop.

 

Maggie