Urgent. I use an external USB modem; do I need computer w/internal modem?

Need new computer NOW. Do I need internal modem if I use an external modem? Any help ASAP would be great! Thanks

2010-02-27T20:48:47Z

Afterthought. I use an external with Linksys (new to me). BUT if external fails for any reason I'd at least be able to connect thru internal (via phone) in an emergency. ... thoughts? I think it's less than $50, so maybe worth it?

Anonymous2010-02-27T20:49:14Z

Favorite Answer

get one with an antenna, it boosts the signal so anywhere in your house should work
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=usb%20adapter%20antenna
the one i have will pick up my wireless adapter in my house while i am half mile away in the pasture
and external USB adapters have the extra antenna, internal ones need to be close to the wireless router

Anonymous2010-02-28T04:41:54Z

modem translates internet signal
if it's already translated, why would u need to do it again?
but i would recommend upgrading that modem to one that connects with ethernet cable as USB ones have been known to have drive issues. Ethernet is faster more reliable an never have an driver issues.

Note: if u want to spread ur internet u need a router, that splits ur translated net signal an handles requests of web pages from multiple machines. It's ok to upgrade ur existing modem to a modem/router (also sometimes called a gateway) as this will allow u to connect to the net, allow u the capability of adding other PC's l8r while also (if u choose to get one with this feature) give u wireless capability, not to mention most routers have inbuilt firewalls that'll give u more protection while online :P

In short if ur lappy offers built in wireless get that instead not modem
an seriously consider upgrading ur existing modem to modem router

JustSomeGui2010-02-28T04:34:40Z

No. You'll just connect your external modem to a USB port on the new computer. Done :)

Anonymous2010-02-28T04:35:29Z

nope, you only need one modem. So get a computer without an internal modem and use your existing USB modem. ;)