Who are windows 8 and how to launch a wireless network

wetibbe

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Gents and Gals:

First, I have detected no less than 3 three Windows 8 forums. Sorry, I just don't understand. Are these sanctioned by Microsoft, are they independent, what ?

I had been posting on: www.­forumswindows8.­com/­forum.­php

Today it is apparently off line and I cannot access.

I just bought a new HP 20 All in One computer with Windows 8. It replaced an older desk top HP with Windows 7. It's predecessor was an HP Slim Line Pavilion.

I want to create a wireless home network to store data on the old computers as backup. My new computer has a network card but the two older do not. From what I understand I must buy a wireless router and also network adapters for the two older computers.

I'm looking for recommendations and expert advice.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
welcome to the forums:)

you could look into usb wireless devices from netgear or pci depending on available expansion slots.

different ways to go about the home network, you can get wireless cards that support multiple networks and do it adhoc ie pc to pc but probably more expensive.

or get a wireless router and adapters for the other 2 machines.

then once that's done visit the tutorial section http://www.eightforums.com/tutorial...-two-machines-simple-file-sharing.html?filter[1]=Networking Internet
courtesy of AEM

there are other tutorials for the different settings if you need them.
 

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Everyone here would say that eightforums.com and sister site sevenforums.com are the best for expert advice. AFAIK all are independent of Microsoft and each other.

Strictly speaking, if you have Windows 7 and/or 8 on one PC connected to the internet by ethernet cable to the broadband modem, and a Wireless device, e.g. an expansion card or USB wireless adapter on that same PC, it can be configured to act as an access point (or hotspot) for all your other wireless enabled devices, without any further additional hardware or software.

Most Atheros and Broadcom-based adapters support this use.

From a cmd prompt as administrator, issue the following command:

Code:
netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=HomeWIFI key=MyWPAkey

You should see:

Code:
The hosted network mode has been set to allow.
The SSID of the hosted network has been successfully changed.
The user key passphrase of the hosted network has been successfully changed.
and then run this command:


Code:
netsh wlan start hostednetwork

You should then see:

Code:
The hosted network started:

Then share the connection from:

Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Centre > Change Adapter Settings, right-click your internet connection and select Properties, click the Sharing tab, check "Allow other network users to connect through this computer's Internet connection", and then choose your Microsoft Hosted Virtual Wi-Fi adapter with the name HomeWIFI from available wireless networks on the machines you wish to connect.

Other wireless equipped devices in range then will see HomeWIFI which will ask for the Passphrase (change the example MyWPAkey to something strong and memorable)

To stop broadcasting, issue the command:

Code:
netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

and uncheck the sharing tab box.

If you feel that you need more security, you should invest in a router with firewall and other security features.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
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    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
Gents and Gals:

First, I have detected no less than 3 three Windows 8 forums. Sorry, I just don't understand. Are these sanctioned by Microsoft, are they independent, what ?

I had been posting on: www.*forumswindows8.*com/*forum.*php

Today it is apparently off line and I cannot access.

I just bought a new HP 20 All in One computer with Windows 8. It replaced an older desk top HP with Windows 7. It's predecessor was an HP Slim Line Pavilion.

I want to create a wireless home network to store data on the old computers as backup. My new computer has a network card but the two older do not. From what I understand I must buy a wireless router and also network adapters for the two older computers.

I'm looking for recommendations and expert advice.
You'll need a wireless N router--which will connect to your modem. You will need two wireless-N USB adapters in order for the other two computers to be able to connect wirelessly. The adapters should come with drivers on CDs. You'll need to setup a network--preferably though Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Set up a new connection or network (choose to setup a Private network). You'll need to make a number of selections at Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.

Are the other computers both Windows 7 computers? Regardless, you'll probably want to, but don't need to, use Control Panel > HomeGroup in setting up your network. Start by setting it up using your new Win8 computer.

Here is a tutorial that may help you some. Post back for more help. You are likely to need some. It is difficult to say much more than I have at this stage. Also, note that I focus on using the Control Panel. Others, and tutorials, may focus on setting up your new network using the Metro interface. I work from the Desktop screen available through Win8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
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    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
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    EVGA 570 SC
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    Dual Boot:
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    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
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    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
Thanks All:

Quick responses. Good info. I'm impressed.

I set up a wired network some time back before Windows 7 and it turned out to be complicated and troublesome. Spent lots of money too. Eventually I gave up and took it down so I'm a little bit gun shy.

Now, in addition to obtaining educational information on these forums I have also visited the stores here in New York that sell the necessary wireless network products. Not sure if it is providential or fortunate that the salesmen, although very knowledgeable, do seem to have different opinions as do the posts on other forums. For example: the nomenclature * network card, * network adapter, * dongle. I was told by one I would need dongles for the two older computers. The Staples salesman said NO, a dongle is for other devices not desk top computers. You need a USB plug & play wireless adapter device on the two old computes and a wireless router on the main computer.

From what I gather I will install the wireless router between my modem and main computer. Simple enough. Just plug modem into router with G5 Ethernet cable and plug the router into the computer using a G5 Ethernet cable. Buy and install two wireless network adapters and plug into a USB port on each. Then use CD that comes with the router and follow instruction there and here on forum posts.

I think I got it ! But now to refine. Not sure this forum is willing to make selection recommendations. But which brand, Netgear, Linksys, Belkin, other. And further what capacities. Some are basic entry level, some are more speedy and capable, some are faster. The prices seem to ascend with greater range, speed and capacity. Some salesmen recommended a $49 router, others $69, prices ascend up and up over $100. Some USB ratings are USB 1, USB2, USB3 all which indicated faster data transfer.

My setup had 2 computer in the same room 5 feet apart and a third in an adjacent room with a wall composed of wood 2 x4 covered with dry wall, plaster board, covered by wood paneling. Distance about 15 feet.

I don't want to buy under performance or overkill. As related I spent a lot of money last time and it didn't work out acceptably so I'm being thorough and cautious this time.

BTW I spoke to my internet service provider yesterday about data that may be required as to ISP addresses and so on. He said they would "give me" a wireless router free, come and install it and set up my network. I asked what the cost was and what the "catch" was. He said: Nothing, we just want satisfied customers. As the saying goes: " Beware of a Greek bearing gifts" . I have an aversion to freebies. There usually is a string attached. Has anyone ever heard of this from an ISP ?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
... the salesmen ... do seem to have different opinions as do the posts on other forums. For example: the nomenclature * network card, * network adapter, * dongle. I was told by one I would need dongles for the two older computers. The Staples salesman said NO, a dongle is for other devices not desk top computers.

Dongle terminology also can be applied to desktops.

... I gather I will install the wireless router between my modem and main computer. Simple enough. Just plug modem into router with G5 Ethernet cable and plug the router into the computer using a G5 Ethernet cable. Buy and install two wireless network adapters and plug into a USB port on each. Then use CD that comes with the router and follow instruction there and here on forum posts.

Yes, between. The plug in process should be that simple. The cable is Cat 5. Then, yes, follow instructions. Expect some confusion.

... which brand ... what capacities.

My setup had 2 computer in the same room 5 feet apart and a third in an adjacent room with a wall composed of wood 2 x4 covered with dry wall, plaster board, covered by wood paneling. Distance about 15 feet.

My preference is Apple AirPort Extreme base station (incredibly easy to set up. possibly too easy for some very demanding users, possibly gamers). But, read here and don't get unless you find that this router now definitely is capable of set up from a Win8 machine. The brand is not going to be a big factor--as long as what you get will work properly with Win8. You will need to check this out for sure. No problem with Airport Extreme unless set up is an issue (my Win8 works perfectly with one (actually two), but I set it/them up using a Mac). Don't worry much about the wireless internal data transfer speeds. All good routers should be fast enough on this dimension for most users. Also, when getting data from the internet your internal speed can't be faster than your download speed--which undoubtedly will be adequate for any decent wireless router.

I would get a dual band router if there are many wireless networks near you. Doing so will protect you from interference from the networks of others mainly. Note that you house should work well with one--because the range of the 5 GHz band is limited compared to the 2.4 GHz band. You would need the dongles to support 5 GHz and 2.4 Ghz. Read here--5 GHz and 2.4 GHz networking. Also, here.

I would ignore the fact that looming is a new wireless standard (link to wireless-ac here) that will eclipse the wireless-n standard (doubt you'd want ac unless your new HP has this capability or you can find wireless-ac "dongles" for the other computers). Still, I would hesitate; read here.

BTW I spoke to my internet service provider yesterday about data that may be required as to ISP addresses and so on. He said they would "give me" a wireless router free, come and install it and set up my network.

That could be OK--at least the router (but see below). Would it definitely work with Win8? Check it out.

I asked what the cost was and what the "catch" was. He said: Nothing, we just want satisfied customers. As the saying goes: " Beware of a Greek bearing gifts" . I have an aversion to freebies. There usually is a string attached. Has anyone ever heard of this from an ISP ?

I thought it went: "Beware of geeks bearing gifts." :D Would I want someone to set my network up for me. Definitely not unless I knew the person's credentials very well. Is it a gip? Probably not. But, you can tell them to leave any time things seem to be getting scammy/scummy. They can't do you any harm if you don't let them do anything but install the router and see that it is working as far as your main computer--provided you insist they do no more that get you internet connectivity on your main computer. Be aware that it probably will take awhile for everything to activate (IP addresses, etc.) with your ISP. And, who is your ISP?
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
My ISP is Optimum, a division of Cablevision. I have my TV, phone and internet all in a package. I've been with them for many years and they are super good. Very prompt, very good tech support, very good field home visits.

Now I'm weighing another issue. My new computer has Windows 8, #2, HP Pavilion p6207cb-bundle has Windows 7 and #3, HP Slimline s3037 TV pc, has Visa. Looks as though the two older models do have the system requirements for Windows 8. I may have to install Windows 8. From what I understand if I try to print from, Windows 7 or Vista onto my HP Office Jet Pro 8600 set for Windows 8 I am inviting a crash. So maybe I just won't print. Just transfer data/files.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
Sorry I don't know anything about the issue: "From what I understand if I try to print from, Windows 7 or Vista onto my HP Office Jet Pro 8600 set for Windows 8 I am inviting a crash. So maybe I just won't print. Just transfer data/files."
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
Just want to clarify that fafhrd's input is still on the table and NOT being ignored. It is in the queue for evaluation. Much appreciated.

Today I phoned my internet service provider to probe further into the "free" wireless router and installation. I got a different customer rep. He back pedaled a bit and said he had to check with his supervisor and contact the rep who promised me a free router. *( He wasn't in today ). *( But if the yesterday rep promised it would be honored ).

The offer isn't a fluke or a gimmick. It is legit. Optimum, Cable Vision, New York, has been issuing free wireless routers. NO strings attached. I won't get a bill for rental. Won't have a rate increase. They will come to my home and set up the network free.

The rep was candid. The competition is offering free wireless routers to lure customers away from Cable vision. He said the offer has created some problems. It is apparently some sort of enhanced program for preferred customers and not generally available to all. He said some people phoned in complaining that a neighbor got a free router and it they didn't get one too they would cancel !!!!

I sort of think that they may be swamped. He said: If not now then eventually it will be available to all customers.

I'm not much on handouts. Charity insults me. If this doesn't fly, which it apparently will, I won't cry. I'm not impoverishes. I pay my bills ahead of time religiously and my credit rating is 5 star excellent. I just have a very strong aversion to being indebted to anyone.

I'm now tilting strongly to installing Windows 8 on the two older computers using a purchased Windows 8 Pro version for a "clean" install *( saving all files ) instead of an upgrade. I need the CD for future. This will be a partitioned disc install sharing with Windows 7 on the #2 and Vista on #3. Simultaneously with Windows 8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
Sounds like a plan. Triple boot might be a challenge. Also, you may want to install Win8 last (see this dual booting tutorial), although I am working on clarification on what happens if Win8 is installed first on, for example, a partition of a drive with Win7 installed second on another partition.

Also, I may have missed a detail on possible install types with disc. I am wondering if the reset option I think you are talking about (i.e., "'clean' install ( saving all files) instead of an upgrade") is available for Win8 over Win7 (or Vista or XP). Of couse, it is available for Win8 over Win8.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
My ISP phoned me this AM to inform me that my FREE Netgear 600 series wireless router has been approved and that a technician will come Friday morning to install it and go on line.

Netgear N600 Wireless Dual Band Router | Staples®

However, he won't touch the other two computers and I have to buy my own USB plug and play wireless network adapters. *( Best Buy $29.99 each ). I'll pick those up today. Thereafter I can use the CD that comes with. And phone the ISP for more help.

I have three options:

#1. Just leave the HP Pavilion desk top with Windows 7 alone. And leave the HP Pavilion Slim line with Windows Vista alone too.

#2. Partition the C drive and dual install Windows 8 along side Windows 7. And Windows 8 alongside Vista.

#3. Upgrade Windows 7 and Windows Vista to Windows 8. Both computers do have adequate system requirements hard drive space *( 500 GB and 250 GB, adequate speed GHz, and ram as well as memory).

I suppose that the terminology "clean install" could refer to a new hard drive that was empty and/or installing onto a HD that didn't have anything else on it. That opposed to buying a CD Windows 8 complete. Costco sells Windows 8 pro in both the complete new first time version and an upgrade version. Each $69.99. That opposed to downloading an upgrade from the internet. I have seen offers $29.99 and a Microsoft offer download $39.99. In the past I found that when I ran into trouble later, if I had a download from the internet, I did not have a CD which contains elements that "fix" problems. So I really do not care for downloads.

From what I can gather Microsoft has three ( 3 ) versions of Windows 8: #1 Windows 8 regular up around $139. #2. Windows 8 pro *( either a full version or an upgrade on disc ( both $69.99 ). #3. A commercial version for large corporate networks, not sold to home users. Best Buy says the they don't even stock the Windows 8 regular. The W8 pro is better in any event. They can't explain it.

It seems that the situation gets a little bit complicated as it has been said that the Windows 8 pro isn't conducive to install over a pre-existing previous version of Windows, however Windows 8 regular is ???? Further if I try to print from Vista or W7 computers to my printer set for Windows 8 I am inviting a crash.

When the ISP tech rep comes Friday I will talk to him about this. However, any input from the forum is most welcome. I don't have a deadline. One step at a time. After I get the network up and running I will address the options. But it seems to me that the best will be to have Windows 8 on all three.

Other issues are older software. For example I have Microsoft Works on both old computers but NOT in the new one. I have Microsoft Word on all three. I've saved many word processing files in Works. When I open them on the new computer in Word some are garbled symbols of computer programming language, Java, Fortran or some such. Completely unintelligible. So it seem that if I want these files I will need some old Microsoft Works capability. Or forget the files. That may not be much of a problem. It's a value decision. So far I haven't encountered any issues with photos or outside software such as Norton, Turbo Tax, Quicken, Google Earth, Microsoft Streets and Trips and others.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
Its good to think about options/potential problems at the outset. Personally, I'd make the initial stab at getting basic things working as simply as possible. I'd leave the old computers alone for now and see if you can get things to work more or less satisfactorily. I think you are going to have some problems whatever you do--possibly some that are not readily solvable. You might as well clearly see the full array of difficulties in the context of the old computers at the outset. You might decide that you'd rather live with those problems than to trade them for another set of problems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    DIY Rig; MacBook Pro (MBP)/Parallels/Boot Camp; HP Pavilion dv6500t Laptop
    CPU
    Intel i7-2600K (sometimes OC'd to 4.8 GHz)
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8P67 Deluxe Rev B3
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair Vengeance
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 570 SC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Gateway
    Hard Drives
    Dual Boot:
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on OCZ Revo x2 and
    Win7 Ult RAID 0 on Caviar Black SATA 3's
    PSU
    Cooler Master Silent Pro 1000W
    Case
    Cooler Master 932 HAF
    Cooling
    Zalman CNPS9900MAX-B CPU Fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Mouse
    Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 5500
    Internet Speed
    20 Mbps Download/2+ Mbps Upload
    Other Info
    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
Good advice, well taken.

Now to add for the hopeful benefit of others - my experiences:

Yesterday I visited Staples first, instead of Best Buy because they are closer. Spoke to the computer sales rep.


I mentioned what Best Buy had said about Windows 8 pro costing $69.99 and Windows 8 regular $139. He said - bunk. Those guys say some things, customers come here and we have to correct the mis-information. Staples sells Windows 8 regular for $49 !!!!


Further I detailed my anticipated network setup and mentioned that I was getting a Netgear N600 wireless router and needed Wireless USB network adapters. He showed me the Netgear G54/N150 wireless USB Micro Adapter. This teeny weeny thing is the size of my thumbnail !!!!!!! It plugs into the two old computers. I said: This better work and he said - it will. I phoned Netgear to check and that said all OK it's good to go.

WNA1000M#

I'm flabbergasted. Both the Best Buy and previous salesmen showed me a much bigger adapter from Netgear. *( Same price $29.99 ).

When I set up a wired network a few years ago I had to buy and install in the desk top network cards and run wires all over.

So technology is leaping ahead by leaps and bounds, And beware of sales types. These young guys sound very impressive but - enough said. Check, cross check and double check.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
You couldn't pay me enough to dual boot anything with Windows 8. It's simply not dual boot friendly because it overwrites the boot partition of the older Op system. It works but it's not worth messing with.

I'd perform a clean install.

And you can still download Windows 8 Pro online for 40 bucks directly from Msoft. You would need to use your old Op systems to qualify for the upgrade offer and not use them anymore.

As far as high tech goes, I'd get one of the newer routers with 802.11ac and get 802.11ac adaptors as well. It's potentially 4 times faster than the older wireless 802.11n. Your ISP has you renting the old Netgear router anyway so purchasing a new one would be cheaper in the long run.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Thanks:

I'm thinking maybe I will transfer all from one old computer, to others elsewhere, and use a recovery disc that I have to start over. That will remove everything and re-install all that was on the computer when I purchased it. Then upgrade to Windows 8. Maybe leave the other alone.

I have two computers with 500 GB each and one with 250 GB = 1,250 GP. In addition I have two HP pocked media external hard drives #1 500 GP and #2 80 GB = 580 GB; total: 1,830 GB. I couldn't use all of that no matter how I tried. The plan is to have backup and standby ready to go in the event of another crash which will no doubt happen some time down the road.

Cablevision isn't renting the router. It's a free gift with no strings. The Netgear N600 sells for $69 - $79. The mini G54/N150 micro adapters $29.99 each.

A Netgear 802.11ac router costs $199. Netgear introduced a less expensive version for $170. The compatible adapterts are $69 each. So the economics aren't working out:

Cable Vision free router $ 0.00
Netgear mini adapters $60.00
_________________________________
Total: $60.00


Purchase 802.11AC

Router $199.00
Adapters $140.00
_________________________
Total $339.00

From what I understand the 802.11ac is new this year and super fast. However, for my application and casual use, connecting occasionally to the older computers, it seems like buying a Ferrari when I need a little red Chevy pickup.

Previously I had said there were lots of choices in the market place and I didn't want to have underperformance of excessive capacity that wasn't warranted.

Making practical, appropriate, economical decisions is becoming increasingly complicated. But I appreciate all input very much. It is educational.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
Update:

Friends:

I'm posting more in the spirit of sharing.

This AM the Optimum Cable Vision tech rep came and installed the free Netgear N600 wireless dual band router. How simple, unplug plug - done. It's on line working and confirmed.

Then I proceeded to set up the Netgear G54/N150 wireless USB micro adapter. Inserted the mini CD/DVD and ran the wizard. Then tried to get on line from the second computer. No didn't work. Admittedly I am a bit premature.

Note that I had gone to Barnes & Noble and purchased the book Microsoft Step by Step, Network your computer and devices. But it was for Windows 7. I have windows 8 on the main and 7 on the ancillary.

So I phoned Cablevision and cleared up a little burp about the system. They confirmed that I was on line but wouldn't touch the two others, understood, no problem.

So I phoned Netgear explaining that I had just acquired their router and adapters and I wasn't able yet to make the LAN work. He *( heavy Indian accent, asked if he could put me on hold ) then came back and said:


* This isn't a warranty problem.

* There is a charge for the service.

* That will be $200.


I said: I can't afford that. He said: OK how about $150. Nope, to much. He said - how much will you pay -----???

This was no actually Netgear but an apparent surrogate or sub-contractor which I got from Googling.

Further he said that they don't as yet have system procedures for Windows 8.


This is the same rigmarole I got years back when I set up a wired LAN just after Windows introduced a new version.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
Thanks:

I'm thinking maybe I will transfer all from one old computer, to others elsewhere, and use a recovery disc that I have to start over. That will remove everything and re-install all that was on the computer when I purchased it. Then upgrade to Windows 8. Maybe leave the other alone.

I have two computers with 500 GB each and one with 250 GB = 1,250 GP. In addition I have two HP pocked media external hard drives #1 500 GP and #2 80 GB = 580 GB; total: 1,830 GB. I couldn't use all of that no matter how I tried. The plan is to have backup and standby ready to go in the event of another crash which will no doubt happen some time down the road.

Cablevision isn't renting the router. It's a free gift with no strings. The Netgear N600 sells for $69 - $79. The mini G54/N150 micro adapters $29.99 each.

A Netgear 802.11ac router costs $199. Netgear introduced a less expensive version for $170. The compatible adapterts are $69 each. So the economics aren't working out:

Cable Vision free router $ 0.00
Netgear mini adapters $60.00
_________________________________
Total: $60.00


Purchase 802.11AC

Router $199.00
Adapters $140.00
_________________________
Total $339.00

From what I understand the 802.11ac is new this year and super fast. However, for my application and casual use, connecting occasionally to the older computers, it seems like buying a Ferrari when I need a little red Chevy pickup.

Previously I had said there were lots of choices in the market place and I didn't want to have underperformance of excessive capacity that wasn't warranted.

Making practical, appropriate, economical decisions is becoming increasingly complicated. But I appreciate all input very much. It is educational.

Oh I know exactly what they cost but to me it's worth it. And as you can see, the cost of a service charge would have covered the cost of the newer and better router which would also require NO service calls.

You were asking about high tech and I took it upon myself to show you there is high tech available.

I don't concern myself with cost, I only try to answer the questions posed. :geek:

And I still insist that dual booting with Windows 8 is a big mistake, don't do it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home built
    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
    Motherboard
    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    GTX-480
    Sound Card
    Asus D2 Xonar
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HannsG
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Gskill 120GB SSD
    PSU
    Thermal Take 1000watts
    Case
    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
Friends:

Friday December 21, 2012 - 5:16 PM EST USA - Chestnut Ridge, New York.

Cable Vision came this AM a 9:00 and installed my new Netgear N600 wireless dual, band router, free, no rental, no fee.

The communication with computer #2 and #3 was not addressed. Out of scope.

Phoned Netgear from their website tech support number. Got Netgear and NOT some surrogate, parasites.

We went through the requisites in 5 minutes and I am ON LINE with computer #2.

No BS, no scams, no demands. No money.

I registered my gifted router and the two ancillary LAN wireless USB plug & play adapters.

They asked me who my ISP was and they already know what the score is. They immediately recognized Optimum, Cable Vision.

I pay very close attention to the input from posters. Thus I moved all data from Computer #2 to ancillary HP pocket external hard drive. This is actually the computer that suffered a crash and had a new HD drive installed a couple of weeks ago so not much was on it.

This is basically an empty computer that I will now upgrade to Windows 8.

Computer #3 is for the moment not a compelling issue. I will deal with it in due course.

Thanks to for participation. Very much appreciated.

Bill Tibbe
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP
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