Hi all,
I'm about to set up a three computer house with Verizon FIOS (fiber optic) involving two Win XP machines and one older Win 98 computer. I was under the impression that we needed two wireless adapters and the primary computer gets hardwired to the router. The last message I got from the Verizon rep included needing 'ethernet cards'. I thought even the older Win 98 machine was pre-set for networking via wireless. Am I missing some basic concepts here, or is Verizon covering bases that don't need to be on the field. The three machines are for seperate housemates and have no specific relation to each other. As far as networking goes, the only common link is internet access. Can we function with wireless adapters only?

Thanks for reading, Sam

I'm about to set up a three computer house with Verizon FIOS (fiber optic) involving two Win XP machines and one older Win 98 computer. I was under the impression that we needed two wireless adapters and the primary computer gets hardwired to the router.

Could do.

The last message I got from the Verizon rep included needing 'ethernet cards'.

Must be taking the option of using Ethernet connected external client units as opposed to PCI WiFi cards - which can have connection issues, if base units are under desks with their backs towards radiators etc, - and can be difficult to get working on older win98 machines.

I thought even the older Win 98 machine was pre-set for networking via wireless.

Networking yes, - specifically wireless no.

Am I missing some basic concepts here, or is Verizon covering bases that don't need to be on the field. The three machines are for seperate housemates and have no specific relation to each other. As far as networking goes, the only common link is internet access. Can we function with wireless adapters only?

Your first point. Don’t think so? However for my community wireless network I’ve found USB devices are a much simpler, quicker, and often cheaper alternative for connecting multiple clients to a central Wireless router, or access point. All hinges on the area/distances you’re trying to cover.
The Home plug type system’s seem to be fairly popular also, uses the electrical ring main of your house to distribute signals.