Wireless router for Virgin Media cable connection

[barb1314]

We are looking at buying a laptop to replace our outdated desk top computer and would like to go wireless too.We live in a 4 storey cottage and would like to be able to use the laptop all over the house.Can anyone recommend an easy to set up wireless router with a good enough range.I'm quite inexperienced with computers and have read all sorts of reviews on Amazon etc and cannot come to a conclusion.Thanks very much for your help.

[carolegif]

I use a Belkin router bought from Comet for around �29.99 about six months ago. I only had problems when my Dell WiFi cover finished and I couldn't get it to work, but once that was taken off, I have had no problems since (fingers crossed!).

carolegif

[Ethel]

I have been using a Linksys WRT 54 G for three years - the router is in my loft and I can connect all over the house, from the garden house at the bottom of the garden and from my next door neighbours' if I take my laptop next door.

I too am on Virgin Cable.

[barb1314]

Thanks carole and Ethel.Have looked at Belkin but my neighbours (identicle cottage) had told me they had a terrible time setting theirs up,on the phone to India for ages so they kind of put me off.Have looked at yours on Amazon Ethel,looks great.Thaks to both of you.

[fo3nix]

I would star clear from Belkin. They somehow have the image of being a good reliable brand, but I've found them to be not very good at all.

I'd stick with Netgear, Linksys or D-Link.

I'd go with this one:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/99752

(This assumes you have ADSL internet, through your phone line from someone like BT.)

Finally, note that no matter how great the router is, there are some things a signal just can't get through. If your walls are thick, you may not get great coverage anyway. For best reception, put the router as central in your house as possible, with the aerial horizontal.

[Ethel]

fo3nix - barb has broadband through Virgin Media Cable, as in the title,

[barb1314]

Thanks again.Whoops didn't want to mention that but yes it's cable so I know it's a different scanario altogether. Ethel,can I ask you another question?Sorry if I sound stupid! I very recently renewed my anti virus software for 12 months (I pay for it) I don't have to pay twice do I if I get a new laptop.Do you know how that works?God I sound really daft here but not sure who to ask.I'm quite intelligent really just not up on computers! Thanks if you answer.

[vehelpfulguy]

Many people on this forum do not pay ANYTHING for their anti-virus (or indeed any security software).

I use 4 security products and pay nothing (legally) for any of them.

AVG Anti Virus

Zone alarm firewall

Adaware spyware

WinPatrol

Others may suggest different anti virus or firewall products (there are a number).

You can find most by just searching the web, but if you have any trouble let us know.

[fo3nix]

Whoops!

That'll teach me. In which case, I'd go for something like this:

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/88488

[barb1314]

I never realised you could get free anti virus.I've always paid...so that's really useful to know.And,fo3nix,no problem for that,you still came up with an answer for me...thankyou both of you.Barb