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Thread ID: 91727	2008-07-16 22:26:00	Web cam and wireless broadband	Oggy (5399)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
689572	2008-07-16 22:26:00	I'm helping to set up a computer literate but elderly family member with a laptop. On the wish-list is being able to use a built in web-cam to chat with other family members around the country and overseas. We've also identified that because of his frailty, wireless broadband would be really beneficial. These are two things I've had very little to do with so I need to know: > are there any traps with web-cam and wireless broadband working together. > Are there minimum specs to be aware of for smooth running? The family have sourced a laptop (2Gb RAM, Vista Home Premium, intel 1.86Ghz processor www.elive.co.nz which to me looks reasonable for the workload demanded. (The only other workload apart from what I described above is typing his memoirs plus a bit of e-mailing and a small amount of browsing. Skype is also going to be installed.) Any opinions or advice greatfully recieved.	Oggy (5399)
689573	2008-07-17 01:26:00	That model dosent apear to have a webcam, so you will need one of those. You will also need a wireless network. Then it's just a mater of puting all together & getting it to work. Smooth running, will depend on the speed of your broadband at the time of use.	Driftwood (5551)
689574	2008-07-17 01:47:00	That model doesn't apear to have a webcam, so you will need one of those . You will also need a wireless network . Good spotting . It does actually have a web cam . . . it has just been omitted from the specs in that advert for some reason . The web cam is listed on the Dick Smith site for the same model . dse . co . nz/cgi-bin/dse . storefront/487e983508e9520a273fc0a87f3b06b5/Product/View/XC4809" target="_blank">www . dse . co . nz What is actually involved in setting up the wireless network? In my state of blissful ignorance I assumed (hoped) that the the laptop would just detect what it needed to detect and do it itself more or less .	Oggy (5399)
689575	2008-07-17 02:42:00	Do you have an existing wireless network.	Driftwood (5551)
689576	2008-07-17 03:37:00	No . I've never used one or been involved in setting one up . The closest I've got was setting up laptop here at work when during the set up process it discovered a network run in one of the neighbouring houses . I'm a wireless virgin!	Oggy (5399)
689577	2008-07-17 03:42:00	You'll need a modem/wireless router if you want wireless. This kind of wireless isnt the same as wireless broadband ie: Woosh, which isnt free, and you need a modem to get on it So work is using someone else's wireless access, which is illegal, unless they / whoever know youre using their access	Speedy Gonzales (78)
689578	2008-07-17 05:13:00	I was thinking that would be the case. I was talking to someone this week who thought, if they bought a laptop with wireless they wouldnt have to pay $30 a month for broadband.	Driftwood (5551)
689579	2008-07-17 06:06:00	So work is using someone else's wireless access, which is illegal, unless they / whoever know youre using their access Nah. Just found it. Not using it.	Oggy (5399)
689580	2008-07-17 06:25:00	What I was expecting was that there would be a normal broadband connection put into the old fellas room. A modem would be attached to the end of that. A wireless router would then be attached to the modem. What I was hoping then was the the laptop would detect the router and set itself up. How close to the truth am I? How much setting up do I need to do in the laptop so it will go looking for the router? (Yeah I know ...RTFM!)	Oggy (5399)
689581	2008-07-17 06:39:00	If there is no existing broadband connection, I suggest signing up for snap & buying a wireless ADSL router off them when you sign up - it will be pre-configured with the username & password. All you will have to do is enter a wireless password through the router web interface. Edit: And remove all Norton products from the new laptop	Greven (91)
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