Solved WiFi Driver

Jesse Williams

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Member
Messages
487
Location
Pell City, Alabama 35125
If my computer didn't come with being able to connect to my router wirelessly, can I still download the latest driver to make it WiFi compatible.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire E1-571
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer Type-2
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Sound Card
    High Definiton Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    PSU
    Generic
    Keyboard
    QWERTY
    Mouse
    ELANTECH Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    12.68Mbps
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Acer said it didn't have a wireless card. I will just stick to LAN with it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
If you want Wi-Fi and don't have the adapter in the Notebook, you can get a USB 'dongle' to do it. Some of these stick out only about 1/4" to 3/8":
USB Wireless Adapters: USB WIFI Adapters - Best Buy
I have used one quite like the Sabrent at the bottom of the list on my Dell Latitude D810 since the internal adapter died.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WinXP, WinVista, Win7, Win8.1, Win10, Linux Mint 20
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Customs and 12 OEM/Brands
    CPU
    AMD and Intel
If my computer didn't come with being able to connect to my router wirelessly, can I still download the latest driver to make it WiFi compatible.

No. If your computer did not come with Wifi, that means it does not have a wifi "device" (the wireless network "hardware"). Driver enable hardware, they don't take the place of hardware.

So as Berton suggested, you will need to add wireless support by adding the necessary "hardware" - and (if Windows does not automatically recognize it) installing the drivers for that new hardware to enable it with your specific operating system.

The little dongle type are convenient, especially when lugging the notebook around, but they often don't provide the best wireless performance due to their fixed antenna orientation - especially if the WAP (the network's "wireless access point") is far away, or on the other side of several walls, floors and/or ceilings that are full of metal pipes and wires, or in a crowded wireless environment where there are many wireless networks - say in a large apartment complex. If that is the case, or if you will be traveling to parts unknown, for best wireless performance, I recommend an adapter with external antennas, like this one, or better yet, this one. Then you can just adjust the antenna for best reception, instead of spinning in your chair and tilting the notebook while you type.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I was just curious to see if the driver would enable it. But, since the modem/router is on the same desk as the desktop, I really don't think it needs it. Thanks for the help!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
But, since the modem/router is on the same desk as the desktop, I really don't think it needs it. Thanks for the help!
I am assuming you mean because the router (its integrated 4-port Ethernet switch, actually) and computer are near each other so you can connect with an Ethernet cable instead of wirelessly, you don't need wireless. That is true. And in fact, in terms of security, is better as wireless has many more security issues, and depending on many issues, may offer considerably better performance than wireless too.

My recommendation is to ALWAYS use Ethernet, when possible.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Correct! Our Laptops are connected wirelessly though.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
We have WPA2. Most people wouldn't think of our password as being what it is. However, we do have a Guest network that stays opened for our guests. But, they don't get access to anything, but the Internet connection.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
We actually have 3 networks. One is the main one that we connect to which is locked, the 2nd one is locked, and the 3rd one is open.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
We have WPA2. Most people wouldn't think of our password as being what it is. However, we do have a Guest network that stays opened for our guests. But, they don't get access to anything, but the Internet connection.

the 3rd one is open.
Does not sound like a good plan to me. Where do you live? That is, do you live in an apartment complex, or a house with neighbors within a couple 100 yards of your house? Or do you live out in the back bayous with no one else around for miles and miles?

Understand with an open network, ANYBODY, from a nosey neighbor (or their guests!) to a badguy sitting in his car down the block can see and access your network! And from there, they can distribute porn, spam, and/or malware from YOUR network and conduct other malicious and illegal activities like DDoS attacks on governments and banking institutions - using YOUR IP address assigned to YOU, under your name, by your ISP.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I live in a neighborhood in Central Alabama (Pell City, Alabama). I have never noticed anyone on our network. But, I do agree with you. It is safer to have it locked. I just get tired of giving out the password all the time to our guests.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I just get tired of giving out the password all the time to our guests.
If it is the same guests bringing their same computers, you shouldn't have to but once - unless they delete it, or you change it.

I have never noticed anyone on our network.
You likely wouldn't! They would have to start hogging all your download bandwidth before anything got your attention, and even then, it may not seem as if it is caused by an unauthorized computer attached. Someone using your connection to distribute spam and such would be using your upload bandwidth and likely go unnoticed, unless you just happened to be in your router's admin menu and looking at the "Attached devices" when they connected, and noticed it was not one of your computers.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I use a program called NETGEAR Genie.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Okay, but same difference. You have to be actively looking at the connected devices list to see if any unauthorized devices have connected.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Okay. Well, I locked the Guest network. It now requires a password.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Yes! Thank you for your help.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Well, don't know about you, but I feel better! ;)

Our new neighbors across the street may have been using our Guest WiFi before it was locked, because they are getting Internet right now as we speak of their own.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 64-bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire X (AXC-603-UW12)
    CPU
    Intel Celeron J1850 @ 1.99GHz
    Motherboard
    Acer Aspire XC-603G (SOCKET 0)
    Memory
    4.00GB DDR3 @ 551MHz (9-7-7-14)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics (Acer Incorporated [ALI])
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer S200HQL
    Screen Resolution
    (1600x900@60Hz)
    Keyboard
    Acer Wired Keyboard
    Mouse
    Acer USB Optical Mouse
    Internet Speed
    High Speed Internet
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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