Can I use my laptop to connect to the internet if I already have DSL in the house?

Question

Any chance that I can go wireless? If not, how can I get DSL on my laptop without using Dial-up?

Answer 1

You can get a wireless router. The cable that goes from your DSL modem to your desktop computer will plug into the wireless router instead. The desktop computer will plug into the router and the router will send a signal out that your laptop can use to get online with the DSL. You may or may not need an additional wireless card added to the laptop to be able to do this.

Wireless routers should be setup with encryption, so not just anyone can drive up around your house and hop onto your internet. (Neighbors are known to be curious and depending on their technical skills, they may be able to read your files.) I suggest taking your laptop to Best Buy, having the Geek Squad tell you if you need a wireless card or not (unless you know you have one already) and then help you get a wireless router. Linksys routers are probably the most common. I'd also recommend having the Geek Squad come out and set it up for you. They will setup the encryption too so no one else can get in.

Answer 2

Hello!

Given that your have a laptop that's fairly new, or was built within the last 2 years, I'll assume that it has a wireless adapter built into it. If not, we'll cover that at the end of the session (take notes, there'll be a test lol).

First, let's look at getting your internet connection shared around the house. The best way to do this is to replace your existing DSL modem (router, etc...) with a combo unit that functions as a DSL modem with a Wireless 802.11b/g Access Point (WAP) built into it. There are a couple of manufacturers that do this really well, such as Netgear, D-Link, and Linksys.

This will allow you to connect any PC (or laptop) to the DSL modem via a network cable.

Second, you can at this point setup the laptop computer to search for wireless signals in the area, which will allow it to connect to the internet wirelessly. PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to consult the user manual and/or a qualified technician when setting up your laptop to the WAP because it very important to use the highest possible level of security. I recommend using the WPA Protocol with a Pre-Shared Key (WPA-PSK) to ensure that nobody can snoop onto your wireless internet connection and/or your sensitive data stored on any of your computers.

Now, if your laptop does not have a wireless adapter built in, you can substitute it with an add-on wireless adapter, in either the USB dongle or PCMCIA card. Again, consolt the user guide and/or a qualified computer service technician for help.

I hope this helps and best of luck to you!

Cheers!

Answer 3

All you have to do is connect the DSL calble to you Network card ( Nic card ) and open explorer, it may take a minute for your laptop to find an IP address so you may have to wait like a good minute.
Yes you can go wireless. If your laptop has a WIFI card in it then you can buy a wireless router and setup a wirelss network in your house. You may want to get someone who knows what they are doing to set up some security for you so you do not get hacked if you choose to go wireless though.
But just plug in the ethernet cable and opening explorer should get you on the net with DSL

Answer 4

yes, you can go wireless but it'll require some additional hardware.

depending on how old your laptop is, you may not have a wireless card installed. you will need to pick up one from your local retail or electronics store. you can get them for around $40.

you will also need a wireless router. i would recommend getting the linksys 54g wireless router if you're not looking for more than 1200 sq ft of wireless coverage. this is generally 49.99 at best buy.

without the combination of a wireless card and wireless router, you will not be able to do wireless. however you can get a wired router to be able to share the connection between two computers at the same time.

Answer 5

Yes. Just connect a wireless router to your DSL modem (in case it does not provide WiFi already).

Then get a wireless adapter for your laptop (in case it does not have one already built-in like most new laptops).

Answer 6

I assume you already have DSL in the home...

If this is so, what you need to do, is purchase a WIRELESS ROUTER, which connects to your modem, and in turn allows 4 computers or more to connect to it...

Also your laptop can connect to it from anywhere in the house...

This router generally runs about 30-50 bucks... Get a LINKSYS BRAND...

If you wind up buying the router, email me for instructions on how to set it up if you seem to have any issue with it... Below is what you need and where you can get it.

Answer 7

Before going wireless make sure your laptop has a wireless card built in or one that you have bought, then buy a wireless router in a store, then connect your cat 5 cable to the new wireless modem then foloow instructions on screen.

Answer 8

yes you can use your laptop in the internet, you only have to install DSL router (can be bought to nay electronics or commputer shops near you) to connect or setup a small network in your house. And YES! You can go WIRELESS and still you can use your laptop by installing a what we call WAP: Wireless Acess Point, installation is also the same when you install your DSL Router, but you must configure you TCP/IP (for your internet identity; for your computer protection, i strongly recommend not to use automatic configuration here), GATEWAY (for your security) you can buy this WAP to any computer or electronic shops in your locality.

Answer 9

if you have DSL in your house, you must have a modem. you could directly hard wire your laptop (use an ethernet cord) to connect to that modem to use dsl or you could buy a wireless router to make it wireless and use it with you laptop assuming you already have a wireless adapter in your laptop

Answer 10

in case you're turning out to be one now, the hot laptops have already got something in them to connect with DSL. you only could desire to be attentive to the password to get into them that's located at the back of your modem.