Broadcasting wireless internet and network.
 

Ok so I just got a new netbook, and I'm trying to network it with my computer. I have my internet connection currently going into my PC. What I'd like to do is set up a wireless network with my computer, and share the internet connection that's already going into my PC. What hardware do I need to do that? Will this do the job?

Yes.

But I recommend buying a router nonetheless, which then handles the internet connections. I submit that it will be more expensive than your initial prospect, but this way you can still use the internet even if the PC was turned off.

As far as brands are concerned, I'm partial to Linksys myself. If you intend to do a lot of torrenting, then get one that's flashable with custom firmware.

Well I never turn my computer off... ever, so that shouldn't be an issue. As long as this handles both networking and internet I'm good. I just have to figure out how to configure it. Thanks alot.

I have to make a correction.

You can't plug in that thing on your PC and let it broadcast. That's actually a wireless adapter that you plug into your PC so IT can connect to wireless networks.

So as far as I know, you WILL have to buy a wireless router and hook it up like so:

http://www.b2techs.com/bu/images/Wir...rk%20setup.jpg

On the torrenting front, you can also go with an option where you keep those computers dealing with large amounts of traffic wired to the main router while you allow for wireless connections on those computers you just use for irregular surfing. That said, second the firmware flashable router recommendation and would suggest Tomato Firmware as a potential replacement, since I've used it and was very happy with the configuration and control options. Limit the amount of upload bandwidth the non-wireless lines can steal, as that's usually the choke factor for torrent use.

Whatever you do though, remember to lock down the access. The number of unconfigured points in range of me named "linksys", "netgear", or "belkin54g" with default pswd's is always a laugh.

@Zergrinch: Almost all wireless adapters can be switched into master mode (normal mode is "managed"), then acting as a standalone AP.

Ah, I didn't know that. So my initial "wrong" answer was actually correct? :o