Can I use a wireless router even if my PC is not wireless enabled?

Q I have been using a wired router delivered by my internet service provider (ISP). I would like to change the router for a wireless type. My desktop PC is not wireless enabled, so I would need a cable connection to the router.

Do I need a specific router?

Also, while I have Outlook Express on my desktop computer, my laptop doesn’t have an email program – can you suggest one?
Fred Frost

A Almost all modern wireless routers include several Ethernet connections to allow for wired connections so no, you don’t as such need to shop for a specific router – just a wireless router with built-in network sockets.

Regardless, it’s worth pointing out that your desktop PC doesn’t have to connect to a router via a cable, as USB wireless adapters are affordable and widely available.

Some routers will need to be attached to a PC via a cable for initial setup purposes but after that, no cable connection is required (other than the one to the incoming phone or cable line, anyway).

As for your question about email programs, Microsoft offers Windows Live Mail as a free download.

If you fancy trying an alternative to Microsoft, consider Mozilla Thunderbird: it’s from the same developers that make the Firefox web browser and is available as a free download from Mozilla Messaging.