What Do I Need To Set Up And Use A Laptop In A Room Away From The Modem And Desktop Computer

[sandyRoe]

?

[sandyRoe]

Is it a wireless connection?

[Buenchico]

Very, very few people have modems (per se) these days. Almost everyone has a wireless router (which incorporates a modem). So the chances are that what you've already got is sufficient for one end of the set-up. (If you're unsure what you've actually got, take a look at it and tell us the make a model number).

All modern laptops have wi-fi connectivity built into them. (Other computers might need a wireless adapter, which plugs into a USB port).

So (assuming that you've already got a router, rather than a basic modem, together with a laptop) you don't need any other equipment. You simply need to know the router's wi-fi password and you can connect the two together. (The password might be on a label attached to the router or in documentation from your ISP. If not, once you've told us the make & model of your router we can tell you how to find it out or reset it).

[sandyRoe]

It's Virgin Media Netgear.
'Your wireless settings (default)
SSID: Virgin Media and a 7 digit number
Passphrase *******
WPS Pin: 8 digit number'

[Buenchico]

That's definitely a wireless router.

On a Windows 7 laptop all you need to do is to go to the bottom right-hand corner of the screen and look for a Wireless Connections icon. (It's probably under 'Hidden icons'). Clicking on it brings up a list of all the routers it can 'see'. Yours will be shown as 'Virgin Media and a 7 digit number'. Click on that. Ensure that there's a tick alongside 'Connect automatically' (so that you'll only have to do this once) and then on 'Connect. You'll be asked for a security key, which is the passphrase shown on your router. Click on 'OK'. You'll then be asked what type of network you're using. (Choose 'Home network'). If you're asked if you want to create a 'Homegroup', click 'Cancel'. (You can do it later if you want to get your computers talking to each other). You should then be online.

Windows 8 is fairly similar. See 'Connecting to a network' here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows-8/get-online-tutorial

[ivor4781]

thats if the room is not far from the router ! otherwise youll need a repeater of some kind

[sandyRoe]

Thank you both. I'll try it later this evening.