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Acer newbie needs help!

post #1 of 4
3/28/08 at 12:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hi, I just got an Acer Aspire 5920-6864 this month. I am a newbie and I have no idea what I'm doing. I've connected to the internet twice but only at 'hot spots', I guess. My question is: How can I connect to the net at home? Since my Acer connected before- that means it has a internal modem, right? So does that mean I need a router? I have wired internet connection to my Dell desktop using W.O.W. Is there anyway I could hook up to that? Do I need a PC card? Please help me, I'm so new- it's hard to understand all the abbreviations you guys use here. Also, I have a few misc. questions: I have a built-in web cam. Can anybody just turn it on? That's kinda scary. And I heard that somehow- other people can see what and where you've been searching if you are using their network. Like at work. Is this true and if so- how do I get around this? I appreciate your patience with such a fresh fish like me, THANK YOU!
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post #2 of 4
3/28/08 at 1:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laptop Lady View Post
Hi, I just got an Acer Aspire 5920-6864 this month. I am a newbie and I have no idea what I'm doing. I've connected to the internet twice but only at 'hot spots', I guess. My question is: How can I connect to the net at home? Since my Acer connected before- that means it has a internal modem, right? So does that mean I need a router? I have wired internet connection to my Dell desktop using W.O.W. Is there anyway I could hook up to that? Do I need a PC card? Please help me, I'm so new- it's hard to understand all the abbreviations you guys use here. Also, I have a few misc. questions: I have a built-in web cam. Can anybody just turn it on? That's kinda scary. And I heard that somehow- other people can see what and where you've been searching if you are using their network. Like at work. Is this true and if so- how do I get around this? I appreciate your patience with such a fresh fish like me, THANK YOU!
Hello Laptop Lady,

My name is Richard; I am part of Dell's Online Community Outreach group. I found your post asking for network assistance. I thought it was for a Dell, turns out you need help with an Acer. But, I looked up your Acers information anyway and it shows that it comes with a NIC (network interface controller). So, you do not need a PC card.

Also, it sounds like you have internet access at home via cable or DSL. If so, you will need a router/switch. That way you’re Acer and Dell can both get internet at the same time. You may want to think about getting a wireless router. Those come with a wireless option and Ethernet plug-in option and they are priced about $50 to $120. So, you have lots of options.

About the webcam, if you are not using it just turn it off. If you’re really worried about it cover it with a sticker.

Best of luck,

Richard B
Dell Online Community Outreach
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post #3 of 4
3/28/08 at 1:31pm
Thread Starter 
Thank You DellCA!!!! I'll defiantly look into that. I was tearing my hair out over all this - Thanks again!
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post #4 of 4
3/29/08 at 1:09pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Laptop Lady View Post
Thank You DellCA!!!! I'll defiantly look into that. I was tearing my hair out over all this - Thanks again!
haha. You defiantly do that.
If you do go the wireless router route, you'll almost certainly want to set up encryption so that passersby and neighbors can't easily sniff the signal. Please be aware that all the info you need is available using a search engine. Also, you should research your broadband modem just to make sure it doesn't already have routing and/or wireless capability.
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