Re: setting up wireless access - minimum spec
OK many questions and a couple of answers.
1. Why when they installed your CM did you let / ask them to install it so far from the (desktop) PC?
Answers
You are talking about connecting more than one device so you need a router - a wireless bridge creates a wireless bridge between two points, without a router you will still only have one internet IP address so could only connect one device. You could do this with a bridge (connect the desktop to the modem) but your upgrade plan would be limited.
You would be better to open up your PC and install a network card, this is one of the easiest things to do with a PC and not that scary, a good introduction to the inside of a PC. Basically you open the case, undo one screw that removes one of those protective covers off the bit where the modem and other additional cards are, press the ethernet card in firmly and use the same screw to hold it in place put the case back together.
I use Linksys, the WRT54g router and whatever wireless bits you need / desire, others will recommend Belkin, Dlink and the rest so take your pick.
Does the laptop have a PCIMICA slot, your best bet for a laptop that old would be to get a PCIMICA wireless card rather than a USB one (and possibly see if extra RAM is a lot cheaper than you think).
Once you have the kit it is a matter of switching off the CM and plugging it into the router, switching it on waiting for the rdy light to come on and then switching the router on, it should self configure just fine (well it does with the Linksys).
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