How do you know if you have wireless connection capability?

Question

i know little about my computer.....and appreciate your help. i know that i have a cable connected to my laptop which is connected to a modem that allows me access to the internet. this is all i know. without it i can't access. there's a buzz with wireless connection and i want to get it on it, maybe. i want to know if i have to pay extra, get something for my computer in order to get this.....gosh, this is embarassing but thank you for your info.

thank you to everyone for answering me.....i bought my laptop from dell 2 years ago, an inspiron. i'm not sure but i just checked, i think i may have the dell wireless WLAN 1350 mini-pci card, and it's disconnected.

Answer 1

Hi, if you have a newer laptop, there is a good chance you have a built in wireless network card, which in turn could allow you to hook into high speed hot spots for free. You can take a look in your (Device Manager) to see if you have that hardware listed. You can also see if you have a icon down in the lower right part of your screen, next to the clock to see if you have a wireless icon. Even if you do not have a built in wireless card in your laptop, they are available to purchase and you can hook them into a USB slot or PCMCIA slot that fit into that thick credit card size opening on the side of laptops, this way you can hook into the internet at different hotspots or using your own wireless router connected to your cable or dsl modem so you can be wireless around the house. Good luck, Jon

Answer 2

Based on the information you provided.... You just need 2 things to go wireless...

1. A wireless adapter (for laptop or desktop). There are USB wireless network adapters you can purchase starting at 15 bucks.
2. A wireless router. These things ranges from $20 - $100.

Once you have these devices, it's just a matter of configuration and you'll be up in no time.

Answer 3

You can get into the wi-fi buzz by doing one of these:
1. If you have Intel Centrino or AMD Turion as a your PC's processor, you are good to go. Just go to a hotspot (a place like Starbucks) and simply use Windows' or Macs' software to find a connection and connect! it's that easy.
2. If you don't have Intel Centrino or AMD Turion, and you DO have a PC card slot, go out and purchase a Wireless Notebook Adapter from your nearest Best Buy or Circuit City, etc. Then follow the instructions and you're done!
3. If you neither of the above (no mobile processor, nor a card slot) purchase a USB wireless adapter from your nearest Best Buy or Circuit City, etc. Then follow the instructions and you're done!

Answer 4

Right now you are accessing internet through wire and not wireless.

Right Click My Computer > Properties. In System Properties Box that comes up, go to Hardware Tab and hit "Device Manager" Button. In the Device Manager, click on + sign next to "Network Adapters". It'll tell you what sort of adapters you have. For example it may be like: Intel Pro/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection.

Else you may have to buy and replace your adapter. I gather you have a desktop and since the computer is stationary, its better to use the ethernet cable versus wireless. Not a worth investment, if you dont have it that is.

Answer 5

If you had your computer for awhile, I doubt it is wireless. If you just got it recently, there would have been a sticker or decal saying (802.11 g/h 54bps) That means you have wireless built into your computer. If not, you can buy a wireless network card to fit into your USB port, or your Firewire Port. There are also PC cards for wireless if you have a PC port. Many places such as McDonalds and Starbucks have free wireless access. There are other places that may charge for wireless connections.