I have just gone completely wireless at my house, including Internet service. I have Verizon's (Novatel) MiFi 2200 85E4 that my iBook G4 and Windows XP machines use (although I'm still trying to iron out quirks with the AirPort interface - another story). If it's possible, I'd like for the old Win 98 machine to be able to access the Internet, also. Until now, it has been hard-wired by Ethernet to a wireless TrendNet TEW-432BRP router. I keep thinking that I should be able to use the router to talk to the MiFi by keeping the Win 98 connected to on of its Ethernet outputs, but I can't figure out how. Failing that, I'm wondering if there is a wireless adapter that will do the job.

This is a really ancient 98, not 2nd edition nor ME.

Any advice (including, "Give it up")?

Thanks!

As far as i know only 2nd edition supports USB devices? Correct me If I'm wrong.

I find this very interesting so if you already came up with a solution please post it as I would also like to know.



Also, whenever you're still looking for an answer don't hesitate to bump a thread.

As I read, the Novatel MiFi 2200 is a mobile hotspot device use by Verizon Wireless. It uses 3G cellular network to provide internet connection. It's Not a home (DSL / Fios) internet modem / router.

Any computer with wifi capability can join in and use the internet. As for your Win98 machine, you may be able to either use a USB wifi adapter, or simply connect the MiFi device via USB as a modem. However, like Meats pointed out above, Win98 (no SE) may not be supporting USB well. So, I don't see if this is worth the effort at all, for an old machine like that.

As a separate question, I am wondering why would you use a mobile internet service at home? Shouldn't it be less economical than a regular home internet service, since it has a 5GB usage cap, slower connection, and perhaps higher charges?

This is probably going to surprise a lot of people, but yes, my old clunker does have USB ports - 2 of them.

This silly idea of mine is one of those that I get and then decide that I absolutely have to find a way to make it work. I usually succeed when I get stubborn like this, but I think that I may have to give up on this project.

My MiFi recognizes my TrendNet router, so I am tryingg to envision how I make the TrendNet send the data from the Win98 to the MiFi and thence to the Internet. Logically, I feel in my gut that it should be possible if I just knew how to set the devices up correctly, but my brain won't kick into gear on this.

I'm a very, very good programmer, but for some reason, networking in the PC universe confuses me.

Well, I knew there would be folks thinking, "What is she going to all that trouble for?" Here's the deal:
First, the old, worthless 98 issue - the problem is my husband. He loves to sit and play solitaire and surf eBay. That's all it gets used for. I'm the power user in the family, with my XP (it'll be my last PC) and my beloved iBook. The alternative to dragging the 98 into the 21st century is to move my XP into its location, away from my current office setup, and committing it to a life of solitaire and eBay. So, if it's cheap and possible to get the 98 onto the Internet, it's the better solution. Besides, now that I've got this wild idea in my head, I'm determined to find a way to do it even if I have to bend metal and string wires and swear like my ex-marine aforementioned spouse.

Now, as for the seeming silliness of the wireless situation. We live in a very rural area. There is NO, REPEAT NO, competition in telephone and Internet services in areas like this. The telecommunications laws allow monopolies in these places. Okay class, what do monopolies lead to? RIGHT!!!! High prices and poor service. I could write a five-page dissertation on what we have put up with from our telephone/Internet company. Believe me, the Verizon wireless set-up is far superior in price and service. Additionally, because we're so out in the sticks, we travel long distances for major shopping and visiting family, etc., so I can pick up my little MiFi and take it with me on the road and be working while the other half drives. Many of us out here in our area are telling our phone company to take a hike and going totally wireless.

The best solution, I think, would be to get a relatively inexpensive refurbished laptop for my husband. I'm working on that idea with him. I'd like to make it a Mac, but he likes his PC-compatible games and we can't afford a new Mac just for that purpose. If there's a new Mac in this house, it's going to be for real work (translation: it's going to be mine, all mine.)

I should probably add that I am happily willing to try a USB wireless device, but I'm skittish about spending the money on one without hearing from somebody who knows what brand and model will work on the old beast. The only large store where I can buy any device at all is the WalMart 25 miles away and I suspect that they won't carry anything that is Win98 compatible. I dread the idea of driving 90 miles to the next largest city to buy a device, have it not work and then have to make the 180 mile round trip to return it. My other choice, of course, is mail order. That's why I am hoping for the benefit of other people's experiences.

(Secretly, though, I'd like to kludge the TrendNet - Novatel just to say I did it. I'll get back to work on that tomorrow.)

Sharon Bain said:
I see. That make sense.

Also if your Win98 machine have USB ports, it's most likely USB 1, the older generation of USB. However, regardless what USB you have, you can always use a PCI wireless card. That should work, as long as it has driver for Win98. Check out newegg's link below.
http://preview.tinyurl.com/3966dp

As for your idea of having the MiFi talking to the Trendnet router... if the router is wire only, than forget it, since the MiFi have no ethernet port. If the router is wireless, then perhaps there's way to bridge the network. But that's whole another level of technicality there, just try the wireless adapter cards first, that should solve your problem.

Just a suggestion. This looks like a pretty good PCI wireless adapter for your purpose. It's good for Win98. It has pretty good ratings, as well as a functional product support site. Decent price, too.

Newegg link (copy & paste link as HWA redirection not always works)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833315041

Support site
http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pl1_id=1&pl2_i...mp;pd_id=1

Drivers
http://www.edimax.com/en/support_detail.php?pd_id=1&pl1_id...;pl2_id=44

Thanks, I'm researching that option right now. I hope that it will work out.

Meanwhile, I've replaced the old thing (the 98 pc, not my husband) with a little Acer Aspire, which does everything the hubby wants it to do. I've hooked it up to the lcd monitor and the wireless mouse and the keyboard and he is happy. I transfered his games by copying the original CD's to a USB drive and then to the Aspire. He can play, surf and now, even access the printer. So he's all modern and I can go back to ignoring his needs .

Now, if I can set up the 98 for the grandkids, life would be perfect, cyberwise.

Thanks to all of you for help and ideas. I'll post here with the results of my efforts. it might be a few months because school has started and I teach (CS, what else?) at the State university (Aggies rules, and all that stuff!)