Trying to connect DSL/WiFI on an Old Computer

tdb · 07-19-2008, 09:17 AM

I have a ten year old Compaq Presario 5050 destop computer, OS WIN98 for which I'm using and booting a Live Cd of Puppy 4.0 Linux. My relic Presario Desktop doesn't have pcmcia port just two 1.1 USB ports and a Serial RS-232C compatible, DB9 connector. I have one open PCI expansion slot, one modem installed PCI/ISA combo slot and one open ISA slot. In theory should I be able to use a PCI wireless adapter card? Thank you for any assistance you can give me.

My Regards,
tdb/Trina

**johnwill** · 07-19-2008, 11:05 AM

Actually, you probably can't. I really doubt you'll find a PCI wireless card with W98 drivers. I don't know about the Puppy Linux, it may support the wireless card.

tdb · 07-19-2008, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnwill

Actually, you probably can't. I really doubt you'll find a PCI wireless card with W98 drivers. I don't know about the Puppy Linux, it may support the wireless card.

Thanks John for your help. Everyone has told me W98 and finding drivers would be an issue. I'll see if I can connect via Puppy 4.0/3.1.0. crossed fingers. Finding and picking the "right" USB adapter or PCI adapter will be the hardest part. Thanks again.

tdb/Trina

**johnwill** · 07-19-2008, 05:30 PM

I'd seriously consider perhaps running Linux of some sort on the machine if it's just for light browsing and the like. W98 wireless drivers are as scarce as hen's teeth.

07-19-2008, 09:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
tdb Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: U.S.A Posts: 185 OS: Windows 98, XP -SP3, Vista HP SP1, Linux: Puppy 4.1 & Ubuntu 9.10, MacMac OS X 10.4, Tiger	Trying to connect DSL/WiFI on an Old Computer I have a ten year old Compaq Presario 5050 destop computer, OS WIN98 for which I'm using and booting a Live Cd of Puppy 4.0 Linux. My relic Presario Desktop doesn't have pcmcia port just two 1.1 USB ports and a Serial RS-232C compatible, DB9 connector. I have one open PCI expansion slot, one modem installed PCI/ISA combo slot and one open ISA slot. In theory should I be able to use a PCI wireless adapter card? Thank you for any assistance you can give me. My Regards, tdb/Trina Last edited by tdb; 07-19-2008 at 09:19 AM.

07-19-2008, 11:05 AM	#2 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Microsoft MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 45,536 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux	Re: Trying to connect DSL/WiFI on an Old Computer Actually, you probably can't. I really doubt you'll find a PCI wireless card with W98 drivers. I don't know about the Puppy Linux, it may support the wireless card. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

07-19-2008, 05:30 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Microsoft MVP Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 45,536 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux	Re: Trying to connect DSL/WiFI on an Old Computer I'd seriously consider perhaps running Linux of some sort on the machine if it's just for light browsing and the like. W98 wireless drivers are as scarce as hen's teeth. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience