Computers & Networking

[blinked1434]

So the Best Buy sales rep talked me into buying a wireless printer. NBot understanding how they worked I specifically asked him if there was anything else I needed to install it..nope, my brand new Dell Inspiron notebook will connect with it...Great! Later that night after having trouble installing it, I called the Geek Squad..turns out I need a USB cable to set it up initially and then I can convert to wireles..ok...so I try that...it installs but wont convert to wireless...so I end up calling HP tech (it is an HP Photosmart 5510 wireless printer)...they take control of my Dell and end up telling me that I need a router...Huh??... But I had 2 Best Buy employees tell me I needed nothing extra to install my wireless printer...so what's the deal? Do I need a router? If so why wasn't I told this by these sales reps? Do I not need a router? How do I get this wireless on the wireless printer to work?

incredibly confused!

[RedWyv3 Best Buy Employee · Accepted solution]

A wireless printer is designed to run on a wireless network - it is an attachment device. A wireless network is established via a wireless router.

Think of it this way. Imagine a cloud of information passing through your house, with one 'hub' controling that cloud. That would be your router. Your computer(s) hook to it, your wireless laptop, wireless TV, iPod, netbooks - and everything else. The control device - this wireless router, gives each of these devices internet capability at the same time from one source, and also allows them to communicate with one another.

A friend could come over with their laptop and get instant internet access without having to plug in a single thing, merely by having your wireless password (which is set up at the time you set up the router).

Most stores have a service called Home Networking Made Simple, which will not only get you set up with the right router, but have someone come in and install it - so that all your wireless devices work seamlessly.

[blinked1434]

ok..thanks red..i just dont know why that wasn't explained to me from the beginning...i only have my laptop and printer so i would not need a very "powerful" router...I don't even know if that's the right way to desribe it as i am no expert on the wireless world of technology.

[NoNoBadDog · Accepted solution]

You should seek help in purchasing and setting up your router.  SInce it seems that you are not very technically oriented, you should be aware that your router will need to be secured so that your network is not vulnerable to attack or to use by anyone that can "see" it.  If you just buy a router and don't know how to properly secure it, you'll be creating problems that you most certainly don't want to have to deal with!

[blinked1434]

thx nono...i will make another trip to Best Buy and ask their advice, but this time i think i need to find a more knowledgable employee