cheap wireless adapter for old basic computer?

hey everyone I need advice...my daughter has an old PC-type computer probably 5 years old, uses Windows XP I think. Very basic (40 gig hard drive -- don't laugh) my son built it from old pieces. It works OK for surfing web but has no wireless card (just a wired one and she moved into an apt where it is only wireless). So I need to find a cheap wireless adapter, hopefully with one of those antenna on a wire you can sit up on a shelf for better signal. It can be an internal card, I can install stuff. Somethimg that the software for it will install ok with XP (it might even be sp1). All she does is text work and surfing, she doesn't download or edit photos or video and the computer's processor is slow, so a slow network adaptor is OK. I don't mind buying online from a reputable store, or Amazon, etc. I was looking at our walmart also but the ones they have are G and I wonder if those are too new for an old computer? And they are more expensive than I want to put into a computer, it'd make more sense to buy a new computer than pay a chunk of $$ for one part for an old computer. Thanks for any advice. Tabby

 

802.11G was standardized in 2003 and will work with your computer if, of course, your wireless access point has the capability to use G.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833180030

10 dollar b/g wireless nic. read the reviews though. you get what you pay for.

 

If you have XP for OS and have USB ports, you can always use usb wireless adapters. This way you don't need to open the case and/or use the adapter anywhere u want, if needed.
Most wireless adapters/routers are backward compatible. I'm using G router with b adapter and it works fine. Speed? probably little slower(not that noticeable), but I wouldn't worry in your case, since PC is old anyway.
This is what I use: Netgear USB 2.0 108MBPS ADAPTER 802.11
You can search the net for lowest price, but I got it for about $10. What kind of Router do you have?