I ordered an Ipad for Christmas and need to set up a wireless network. My pc is in the basement. 1) can I still run my pc with a cable or will I have to buy a receiver for it? 2) what brand / model should I get. Security is not an issue. Nobody lives close to me and I'm far from the road.
Instead of the PC plugged directly into the modem, plug a wireless router (with a four-port wired hub) into the modem and the PC into the wireless router. Then search for wireless signal with the Ipad. Done. I like using Linksys products myself. But any will do. Just match the frequency ("G", or "N", etc.) to your Ipad to get the best throughput.
For the basic hardware setup: Set Up a Wireless Internet Router As for security, don't be fooled by distance. I have an antenna that I built which can find signal from over 1000 feet away. If you leave the signal unsecured, it's legal for anyone to use it. If you do leave it unsecured, at least stop "file sharing" on all your PC hard drives. Also set user options on any wireless printers you may be using. If your internet modem connection is in a basement with concrete walls and insulation in the ceiling, the wireless router will have problems pushing through that. If your bedroom is two stories up, you may get a poor signal on the laptop.
