wireless internet?

Question

i've recently moved into an apartment. when my satilite was being hooked up, the installer had his laptop. and told me there were three non encrypted wireless users in the area. What exactly do i need to buy for my desktop to run the internet off those wireless signals? and how much am i looking at spending?

ive been told wireless network cards, wireless adapters, a new modem, and tons others. whats the true answer?

Answer 1

if you want to steal the other person's broadband, then you just need the wireless card. But if you have broadband already on a desktop, why go wireless. Wireless is useful for laptops. It should be noted that wireless connections do disconnect, and then you have to reset the modem, router, etc...do you really want to depend on those wireless signals for your internet?

Answer 2

First of all, depending on where you live it may be illegal to use someone else's wireless connection to connect to the Internet.

Secondly, be aware that using someone else's wireless network to connect to the 'Net is not secure. Meaning that any online banking, investing, etc could be viewed by the owner of the wireless network you are on. That does not mean it will always happen, just that it may happen.

Lastly, to answer your question specifically.
You will need a wireless card or connector of some type (and a wireless router if you are setting up wireless for yourself and not using someone else's wireless signal)
Wireless cards range in price from $15 to $100 plus depending on what name brand and version (a/b/g/n) you get.
The version letters (a/b/g/n) refers mainly to the speed of the signal.
A wireless router can range from $35-$120 again depending on brand and version.
(I would suggest getting at least the "g" version on both the desktop card/connector and the router).
If you get anything less (a/b) you may notice a loss in signal/speed and anything higher or faster (n) you will be paying more because it is newer.

Where to buy wireless cards and routers:
Best Buy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?type=category&id=cat01028)
CompUSA
Circuit City
Walmart

To connect to the Internet without any worry about the legality, I would subscribe to your local DSL or cable company's hi-speed offerring. Where I am (Michigan) it costs about $40 a month for hi-speed access (cable). This can many times be added on if you already have cable TV. It requires a cable tech to come to your apartment and run a coax cable to a cable modem... which hooks up to your desktop. If your cable modem is in a different room then your desktop, that is where the wireless connection comes in.

DSL uses phone lines so the setup is a bit different.

Me personally, I would not use someone else's wireless signal, even if left unprotected. It isn't very polite.

I hope that answers your question.


Edited to add: About using someone else's wifi (wireless) and whether it is illegal or not... There are some places in the US that are starting to prosecute people who use other's wifi.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/07/07/tech/main707361.shtml

I also recall reading an article about somewhere in CA where someone was caught and got in some sort of trouble. Sorry can't find the article now.

I am not saying that it is right or wrong to use someone else's wifi signal. I just would not do it because of security concerns.

Answer 3

A wireless internet card - the most common right now is probably 802.11g, and that should probably pick up one of the signals. You might spend up to about $50 on it. You also might try to get a wireless connection of your own or offer to split the cost with the neighbor(s) with whom you are sharing. If they decided to secure the signal without your prior knowledge, you may be out of internet luck.

Answer 4

First, be advised that piggybacking is illegal and is being prosecuted in places. All you need is a wireless network adapter $20 to $150 depending on the network and how much you want to get out of the network speed wise. Find one with a good antenna system since the signal has to go through a lot of walls.

Answer 5

$20 for a Wireless Network Card at your local store. 5 Minutes to install it.

EDIT...

Wireless Card, Wireless Adapter, Wireless NIC... they're all the same. WHen you goto the store it'll be under Wireless PCI Adapter or so. Make sure its 54mpbs.

ALSO, It is NOT ILLEGAL to piggyback on someones network... it only is IF you hack into their computer... it is their responsibility to secure their network, so yea...

Answer 6

if you are a novice, get a usb version, because it is easier to install (just plug in the back like you would a mouse or keyboard) and you are looking at spending $30 to $40 on a new, good quality product.

Answer 7

you can get the wireless card at wall mart for about $50

Answer 8

Here's the picture of what you are looking for and guides too!