Gigabyte GN-WBKG

Most of the time we think of wireless networking as pertaining mainly to notebook computers; the idea of connecting to the internet on the move without wires lends itself naturally to the very nature of the notebook.

But there are good reasons to connect a fixed desktop computer to a wireless network, primarily that of not having to drape network cables all over a home or office in order to connect the PC to the network.

That's where Gigabyte's latest USB device comes in. The GN-WBKG connects to a computer's USB port so you don't have to open up the computer (and it can, of course, be connected to a notebook as well). When set up, it can access the 802.11b and the faster 802.11g types of wireless network.

Installation was simple, involving simply plugging in the device, inserting the CD and following the instructions. As soon as it was installed, a wireless network icon appeared in the Notification Area and prompted us to connect to a network. It automatically displayed a list of networks within range.

It connected without a problem to our test network, and the supplied software, which controls the wireless connection, is easy enough to follow, if not particularly well designed. Transfer speed was up to scratch with what might be expected from a wireless network.