Wireless Guide - Tiscali.co.uk

Once you've got a home Wi-Fi system up and running with your laptop it's time to explore the exciting possibilities that they offer.

In the past, all the components of your computer system had to be within a cable's length of your desktop. But now you're unwired, you're free to set them up in dozens of different ways. If your printer is noisy, you could move it to the corner of the room, or perhaps you'd prefer to give it pride of place in the living room, and watch it creating digital prints from the comfort of your sofa.

There are two main ways to unwire your printing:

Whichever product you choose, you should check that they will work with your home Wi-Fi system.

Wireless videocalls
A fun use for your home Wi-Fi system with broadband internet connection is wireless video calls. Simply buy a webcam, install some software and you can have space-age videocalls with friends and family anywhere in the world - for free! Some digital cameras will also work as webcams, or you can buy a dedicated webcam for as little as £15. You'll probably also need an audio headset and microphone

Now install the software that comes with the webcam, and plug the camera and headset into USB ports. Many cameras will clip right on to your notebook's screen so you can move it around while you talk. The person you're video calling will also need a webcam and sound equipment. Most webcam software will work perfectly with other webcams, but if you're having trouble, stick with the basic Windows Messenger software built in to Windows Operating System of our choice. This lets you see which of your friends are online, then send them a message inviting them to a video conference call.

Check out our step-by-step guide to set up your home network.

More Wireless guides here