Win98 and wireless networks?

[zcacogp]

Chaps,

A quickie. I think that the answer is "No", but let me ask ...

Pa zcacogp has a nice Dell desktop computer. (OK, "Nice Dell" may be an oxymoron, but let's keep going.) He has this linked into a Netgear wireless modem router/hub/broadband thingy.

He also has a nice Compaq lappie, also on a wireless connection to the network.

Both run Win XP, very nicely. All is happy.

Ma zcacogp has a very old Pentium P2 (maybe) with 64mb ram, running Win98 version 1. This has never been connected to the internet, or any network of any kind, and doesn't have a network card or port. An old-fashioned stand-alone PC.

Ma and Pa want to connect this computer wirelessly to the internet, via the broadband wireless network. And have asked zcacogp (moi) to help. BUT, they have informed me that Win98 doesn't support wireless networking.

Therefore, the question. Is this possible? Is there some small cheap (or free) app which will allow Win98 to connect to a wireless network. (I am aware that we will also need the hardware for this - either a USB dongle or a card.)

Or would it be simpler to write the computer off (it's done about 8 years of service) and buy a new one? (I am trying to get my parents to cut down on their spending - my inheritance and all that - so I'm trying to svoid this answer.)

Thanks!


Oli.

[aldi]

I've done wireless on a '98 PC, just make sure the card you buy is '98 compatable. The cards I used were Dynamode if that helps.

The other option is to use an ethernet bridge rather than an internal wireless card for that PC then just a normal network cable from the PC to the bridge - something like one of these: www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Wireless_Ethernet_Bridges.html


First job when you've done it should be to suck windows update dry, get IE6 or Firefox 1.5 and AVG on it, after that job done!

Good luck,
Neil

[zcacogp]

aldi said:

I've done wireless on a '98 PC, just make sure the card you buy is '98 compatable. The cards I used were Dynamode if that helps. The other option is to use an ethernet bridge rather than an internal wireless card for that PC then just a normal network cable from the PC to the bridge - something like one of these: www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/Wireless_Ethernet_Bridges.html First job when you've done it should be to suck windows update dry, get IE6 or Firefox 1.5 and AVG on it, after that job done! Good luck, Neil

Aldi,

Thanks ... I have to say I haven't looked into it, but am just going by what my dad has reported (i.e. that wireless on 98 is a non-starter.) Thanks for the hint about cards.

And the idea of a wireless bridge - how simple! Why didn't I think of that? Thanks! (Will mean we need to buy a network card for the machine, but these cost pennies ... )

Win update will have a seriously big hit the moment it goes on-line - quite right!

Thanks!


Oli.

>> Edited by zcacogp on Friday 14th April 12:31