Changing ISP, router question

[thelewisgang]

I am in course of changing my internet server and have a Netgear router at the moment which I gather I will have to uninstall. Trouble is under "add & remove programmes" in the control panel I can't locate this router but it shows Speedtouch330 that hasn't been used for well over a year. I'm a little confused

[Ethel]

My router doesn't show in add/remove programs either - it is not a piece of software.

Just unplug it when the time comes to change over.

Uninstall the software for the speedtouch - it is not necessary

[beso]

The router is a completely independent piece of hardware and as such is not installed at all. It connects itself to your ISP and relays data to your computer via TCP/IP over Ethernet. They can often be seen communicating with the Internet when your computer is switched off.

You may not need a new router at all unless you are upgrading to ADSL2 and this is not supported by the old router.

All you would do to use the old rounter is connect with a browser via its IP address and change the server settings to the new ISP. Many ISP support "churning" your old connection to the new ISP. This costs much less and changes over more quickly.

The Speedtouch modem was probably installed on a USB port.

[ACtheTROLL]

if you are changing providers you don't necessarily have to change your router ... you'll be given an ID and password - just go into the setup and input it ... and it will just sign in to your new ISP.

that way you don't need to change any wifi settings

if it's a BT home hub with the bells and whistles ... you'd be daft not to use their new router

[thelewisgang]

thanks for your replies. I appreciate your help. I posted as someone told me I would have to uninstall using add/remove programmes but they were obviously wrong - that is what threw me. I realise I could use my existing router but Virgin, who I am with at the moment, have told me they will send a jiffy type bag for me to return it to them. They mentioned this when I asked for my mac code.
Many thanks again and happy new year to all AB'ers

[ACtheTROLL]

the tight b@**@**s!

oh well
just a thought if you are setting up wifi - do it using a cable connection ... gets a little zen if you don't

[ChuckFickens]

Bet that jiffy bag never turns up!!!

[thelewisgang]

the jiffy bag probably won't turn up....we will see