Connecting wirelessly to internet

[missspeedy23]

Does anyone know if it's possible to connect wirelessly to the Internet without having to plug the Ethernet cable into the PC first?

The reason I ask is that my brother-in-law's laptop has gone in for repair and he can't do without being able to get on the Internet (teenagers!). The old PC they have doesn't have an ethernet card on it so I can't plug it in to try and install the broadband software on and then try and sort the wireless. What makes it even more of a pain in the ass is that it's Virgin so it's cable. They have got an old BT Home Hub and I've tried using that but it still won't connect, keeps saying something about the firewall.

It's a bit hard to talk them through something over the phone so thought would go back there this week if I've an idea where to start. I've seen an ethernet card in PC World for �10 but don't want to recommend them buying one if it's not going to solve anything.

[Ethel]

A BT home hub will not work with a Virgin Cable broadband.

The ethernet card will work a treat - I paid less than �5 for mine from PCWorld.

[missspeedy23]

I didn't think it would, was just a long shot to keep him quiet!! Have seen one for �4 odd but says it's for a laptop - the other one's �8.20 so might give that a whirl then.

Thanks a lot.