There are 3 ways to set up what you want -

a) Wireless adaptor in laptop and wireless adaptor in main PC. Main PC connected to internet by modem. This is called an Ad Hoc Wireless Network

b) Wireless adaptor in laptop, network card in main PC. Main PC connected by network cable to wireless modem router connected to internet. This is called an Infrastructure Wireless Network

c) Wireless adaptor in laptop, wireless adaptor in main PC. Wireless modem router connected to internet. This is also an Infrastructure Wireless Network

a) is cheapest but means that the laptop can only connect to the internet if the main PC is running.

b) is dearer but allows either PC to connect to the internet at any time (so long as the router is on) and allows for future expansion of laptops or fixed PCs all of which can access the internet at any time.

c) is a little bit dearer still, gives you all the benefits of b), but also allows you to move your desktop around without worrying about network cables.

The wireless adaptors can be either:
a) built-in (most new laptops, some new desktops)
b) PC Card (for laptops only)
c) USB adaptors (for laptops or desktops)
d) PCI adaptors (for internal installation in desktops)

Labels: PC Tips N Tricks and Tweaks