Newbie needs help. If I buy a notebook do I also have to have a tower?
 

I am thinking of buying a notebook. The clerk at CompUSA told me that if I wanted to be able to use the notebook anywhere in the house I would need a wireless router. He explained that the notebook has the capability of getting a signal at let's say a Starbucks, however, I may not have a signal in my house.

That much made sense. Then he said I would also have to load the software for the wireless router on my old tower. I would then plug my DSL line into the router and I would have the ability to use the computer in the bedroom, kitchen or living room.

I was shocked that people that only had a notebook, also had to buy a tower to have the mobility within their own home. I would have thought I could load the wireless router's software in my notebook. Am I incorrect? Do I really need to have a tower as well?

Your guidance is appreciated.
k

Hi Kojaks,

Welcome to SysChat.

You don't need tower/desktop computer to configure your wireless router. You can configure your wireless router through your Notebook, initially you need Ethernet cable to setup/configure your router that's it.

Ethernet Cable between wireless router and notebook. Just so wireless router's software on notebook can actually speak to wireless router. Once the notebook has the router's attention, the cable is disconnected and I can read eMails in the bathroom...right?

I am pretty sure the answer is yes, but that CompUSA guy was so confident, and my knowledge is so limited I just want to make sure.

Thanks
k

Yes you are right.