ok. I need an idiots guide here.Just moved to a 3 bed house. How do I set it all up.have been told it can all be operated via my sons computer but that needs to stay on for everyone to get internet access. HELP .am renting out a room and need to figure it out
currently have access via one room but want seperate so can is not dependent

No - you never need a certain computer on for everyone else to access the internet unless the setup is really bad!!

I'll assume you want a wireless connection between all of the computers so you don't have wires everywhere so here's my advice:

You will have 1 of 2 types of broadband connection, either a telephone type connection or a cable connection (i.e: ntl/virgin/whatever else they've been called!). What you will need is a certain type of router to match the connection type. So if you have cable you will need a wireless router that supports a cable modem, if you have a "telephone line connection" you will want a wireless router with a built in modem. Which ever internet type you have it will cost somewhere between £50-100 for the router... but once it's setup everyone will be able to access the internet regardless of if a certain computer is on or off, assuming all the computers have a wireless card.

Let me know what kind of connection you have, or just the isp (eg: bt, virgin, etc) and I can provide specific advice on how to proceed.

Haydn.

Thanks Haydyn for that advice.i very much appreciate the fact you took time to explain this! I did get some one in to set it up in theory. They used a D-Link Wiireless ADSL Router in my sons room. Unfortunately it only appears to work if his computer is swtiched on and the Laptop upstairs does not connect at all. the connection is very tempermental and we often lose it down stairs too. I am a professed ignoramous with computers but dont want to call another person out as the first guy cost enough. is this something I can easily fix( with the help of my son!)
ta
mandy