Need help setting up wireless internet connection

[RealVen]

Hi everyone,
I recently purchased a new HP PC w/ Windows 7 Home Premium [64-bit] OS.

When I ordered this computer from HP, it was supposed to come with a wireless internet card. However, the manufacturer made a mistake and did not install any card. I called and complained, now HP has sent me the following product:

Linksys WMP600N Dual-Band Wireless-N PCI Adapter

Is this card any good? Do I need t watch out for any problems?
I guess the bonus is I only had to pay $5 for it.

Now onto setting up the connection....

I did install a NETGEAR wireless card on the back of my old PC, about 6 years ago, so I think I should be able to install this card, however I did read some people have problems with the drivers on this card. Also, at my old apartment where I had wireless internet the first time, the landlord and maintenance people managed everything for providing the signal, so I don't really know anything about setting up router, signal, connection, etc.

Help would be appreciated!

Right now the primary internet connection in this house comes through the cable+phone company. There is an RCA Thompson Digital/Broadband modem or router or something, model #DHG535-2, and from there the connection plugs through ethernet cable into the Apple Mac that I'm using to type this right now.

My new PC is in another room, and I will install that Linksys wireless card and use that PC most of the time. What I would like help with is:

1. What steps must I take to install the new PC
2. Do I need to get a wireless router, and if so, which ones will work best with the wireless card I received

etc. etc.

I think I found my old NETGEAR wireless router, model number MR814v2(??), but I bought this 6 years ago and don't know whether it will work well or at all with the new dual-band card.

I also don't know what to do about the RCA thing hooked up to the Mac and telephones, none of those are mine, so I'm not sure about taking them out and doing away with them if necessary, etc.

Just a little confused how to get this connection up and running, help appreciated! Thanks!

 

[wanchoo]

Linksys products are about the best. HP Techie should have installed and configured the WI Card for you. Didn't he?

Aren't you already having a Router? If yes then your new WI Card will work fine with it. If not then you may as well get a Linksys Router too.

 

[RealVen]

No, the HP store messed up and did not include the wireless card as I asked. So when I received the product 10 days later and it did not have any wireless card, I called and complained and they found out where they messed up the order. Then they shipped me this Linksys 600N card.

I know how to install these, but I don't have a router yet. Actually I have an old NETGEAR router but it is outdated, so I will just buy a new one.

I called Linksys and they recommend the E2500 or EA2700. Actually they recommended the EA2700 so I would pay more money, but I'm not sure what the practical differences are between the two.

 

[wanchoo]

By all means buy a new Router. But have you tried configuring your new WI Card with your old Router? Doesn't it connect?

If it does and gives a full speed Internet connection then buying a new Router could be deferred for some time.