Setting Up an Unusual Wireless Network

Both I on my tower PC and my wife on her Laptop access the internet independently to a wireless network that has been set up within our village due to it,s location being so far from the telephone exchange. It is in effect a Hot Spot. Therefore we do not require a modem etc. Both have Vista Home Premium O/S. We want to be able to set up a wireless network within our house so we can access files on each other's computer and send files from the Laptop to the printer connected by USB to the tower PC. Can I buy a wireless router and not use the input that usually connects to the modem. I realise I will have to install a additional wireless card in my PC. Also can anyone suggest the location of an Idiots Guide as to the settings required on each computer and the router.

Before you get instructions, we'd need to know what hardware you will need to buy. Does your ' village' network use encryption ? Click -Start-, then click -Help and Support.- On the Help and Support page, under "Pick a Task", click -Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems.- In the left hand column of the tools page, click Network Diagnostics. What standard does it use 802.11a, b, g, or n perhaps. Do you want your 'local' network to be wired or also wireless(and secured) ? Trying to run a local wireless network, WILL interfere with your ability to connect with your village network, unless we get you equipment that will use a different band. b, g, n can use one band (2.4GHz,) and a, n use another (5.8GHz) but we need to know which you're on now. [as a side note: You COULD do all that with what you have now, but you can only do one or the other: connect to the Internet through the village; or use an Ad-Hoc local network. You likely will want to be able to do both, I would. ] Tallon41 Tallon41