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I’ve lived in the Randle area for the past 20 years, moving here from Kent in 1999 to get out of the city life and never looked back. I have three children, my oldest daughter lives in Seattle and the younger daughter and son live in Randle. I’m blessed with three beautiful grandkids. |
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Wireless Options for Desktop Computers
Not all desktop computers have wireless capabilities. For the most part, this is ok. You generally don’t need your desktop to be portable like a laptop.
Generally, having a hard-wired ethernet connection to your router gives you a more stable, reliable connection to the internet. There could be situations where having a wireless connection would be preferable. For example, if your router wasn’t in a convenient location to your desktop computer and you didn’t want to run ethernet cables through your house.
There are several options available. Install a PCI wireless card inside your computer. This requires opening your case and having an available slot on your motherboard to accommodate the wireless card. A less invasive option is to choose a USB wireless adapter.
These plug directly into a USB port on your computer. They come with drivers that you load onto your computer with a CD/DVD. They are easy to install and you can be up and running with a wireless connection within a few minutes. There are many of these on the market. I purchased one for a client a few weeks ago for around $20.
There are a few things to look for when buying one. USB ports can be USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. Make sure that you get one that will work on your ports. If you are unsure, you can find them that work on both 2.0 and 3.0. USB 3.0 will give you a faster internet connection. These little devices come in different physical sizes too. If your USB ports are limited, make sure you buy and adapter that will fit width-wise in the space that you have.
Other specifications you will see when looking at these are the wireless protocols which will start with 802.11.--- followed by some other numbers, and the frequencies of 2.4GHz and/or 5GHz. Each of these frequencies has strength and weaknesses depending on your setup. If you want further information on these adapters and which one would be best for you, give me a call or an email.
Have a nice week!
Kathie Pearce
ComputerFAQ #38
360.497.3130
computerfaq@live.com
Computer FAQ GAL - Previous Columns
Kathie PearceComputer FAQ GAL
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April 15, 2020 Quarantine And Comp Faq
April 8, 2020 Tech Scams Again
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