Cross O/S networking? Win ME + Win XP

Hi, a few questions from a beginner:

1. Can I setup a network to share blueyonder broadband internet between a desktop running Win ME and a laptop running Win XP?

2. I want the laptop to be wireless, but the desktop doesn't need to be as it will be close to the router. Is this possible? If it is, I assume it would be cheaper doing it that way, right?

3. Am I restricted by compatibilty issues in what router and wirless network card I should buy for sharing a telwest broadband connection?

thanks for the second hand rotation.

Hey again!

Yes you can... I set up my desktop with xp and my laptop running 98se so I'd imagine you'll have no problem with me and xp.

If your cable modem is linked to your desktop just now.. then all you need to do is take out the cable at the pc end and stick it in the wireless router. You then stick another cable (probably supplied with router) between the router and ur desktop. Then you get a wireless card for your laptop and that will connect it to the router. (I found the netgear instructions very good....) This will work out slightly cheaper as you don't need to fork out for a wireless adaptor for your desktop. And you can buy any brand of network, the telewest engineer won't touch the network anyway, as far as he's concerned it doesnt exist!

Hope that helps

Ahhh ok thats pretty much covered it! Great description, answered all my questions about the whole setup procedure. Think I'll order the Netgear package instead of shopping around. Thanks