subject: If Only I Could Adapt Like An USB Network Adapter [print this page] If Only I Could Adapt Like An USB Network Adapter
Having been born before the advent of computers, I am at a disadvantage when it comes to preservation and maintenance for my personal computer. The first encounter of a serious nature with a PC was with a computer the size of a small house. It executed the same functions the calculator in your cell phone does - less, actually.
So not surprisingly, I am one of those who had to recognize late in life how to deal with a personal computer. And truthfully, much of it wasn't too hard. It made it easier that I got a job working for a company that manufactured computers, and repaired them as well. My office was near to the service department, and I usually took advantage of having that team of 12 good men at my beck and call.
However, I work at home now, and when the time came to go wireless on my desktop Compaq, I got slightly confused. My Internet Service Provider - then Embarq - provided me the necessary USB network adapter, along with the modem. I was happy to find out that all I had to do along the lines of installation was simply plug the USB wireless network adapter directly into my USB slot.
Obviously, I needed to ensure that the wireless antenna was not hindered in its performance by the fridge, the cordless phone, the beams in the ceiling; in other words, things I could do very little about. In that area, I eventually had to switch to an internal antenna, which worked a lot better in some way. I was able to set up the antenna myself, thus de-mystifying the computer somewhat.
I've transferred, and this time, have had to set up another home office desk, in another challenging spot. To my computer's dismay, I'm in a basement, surrounded completely by cinder blocks. Our new ISP, who shall remain nameless at this time, suggested I needed a brand new modem, and my purchase was a Linksys modem.
Fortunately for me, the internal network adapter works good with the Linksys, and I have not had to purchase a corresponding Linksys USB network adapter, as I believed I might. Emboldened by all this "geek" work, and my new knowledge of computers, I have now figured out how to confidently break a case, and install a new hard drive. Turns out I'm not too old to learn a few new tricks.
