New to broadband..having problems.

Hi.

I wonder if you guys can help me? I'm quite new to broadband and I've been having a number of issues.

I've just signed up with BE to receive broadband (and have received my router through the post (a Thomson TG585 v.7 box).

But here in lies the problem. The computer I want to use is quite an "old model" - Packard Bell Easy One Silver 3100 DVD - which has the following specs:

OS - Windows ME
2 x USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
1 x serial - RS-232 - 9 pin D-Sub (DB-9)
1 x modem - phone line - RJ-11
1 x infrared - IrDA

It doesnt have any ethernet ports (for connecting to the router). I've done a little research, and know that you can either use a Ethernet USB adaptor or a wireless adaptor. But I dont know which is best? Or what if anything I should go for in terms of makes or models.

I've been in the usual places (Maiplin, Argos, Curry's etc) and have seen the follow products -

Wireless USB WEP/WPA - N150 Wireless USB Adaptor (Belkin)
WNA1100 Wirless N150 Adaptor (Netgear)

But it would need to be compatible with Windows ME..Any suggestions???

I'm completely stuck. Thanks in advance.

As you have already worked out, it is drivers for the device which is going to be the issue.

I have a Windows 98 box connected to my network using a USB adapter and it works fine.

These should be ok: http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item...

does it need to be wireless ? a cheap PCI ethernet card would be the lowest cost and most reliable

Go for any wired over wireless.