I just purchased a laptop and I want to use it wireless from time to time in free wireless internet locations, such as coffee shops, etc. My question is....do I need any special equipment to do that? I know for paid wireless you need a modem/router....but just wondering if anything extra is needed for the free wireless I mentioned.
Thank-you, Amber
2007-01-09 15:35:23 · 6 answers · asked by Amber 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
There are different types of wireless internet. The two most poular types are 802.11 (Wifi) and Internet data services provided by wireless phone companies. The type that is found in many public places (including coffee shops) is the wifi version. It has the benefit of often being free but the downside that you can't roam far from the wireless source. All you need to use these are a wireless ethernet card (which many new laptops have built inside them) or you can purchase addon (pcmcia/usb) connectors that will do the same. Some wifi providers will charge you for access by the hour/day etc but by and large it is all free. Regardless, you will know ahead of time if you need to pay or not because you won't be able to use it without a password if payment is expected.
2007-01-09 15:43:24 · answer #1 · answered by mdigitale 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u dont need a router nor a modem, u need an internal wireless card the coffee shops and other places are the ones that have the routers and modems, wireless cards rnt too expencive maybe 40-90 bux. good luck bro
2007-01-09 23:43:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your laptop has an internal wireless card - you're all set.... If it doesn't you need to get a PCM-CIA wireless card. Just know that lots of times there is a fee to use wireless - like at McDonalds..... some places are free..... the computer should find the card automagically.
2007-01-09 23:39:51 · answer #3 · answered by longhats 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do not need anything. Your computer should be able to pick up the wireless connection that are available and it should connect if they do not have any passwords.
2007-01-09 23:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as you have a wireless card in your laptop, which almost all new ones do, you should be good to go.
2007-01-09 23:39:59 · answer #5 · answered by Evan S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as your wireless is enabled, you should not need any other equipment to get connected at the sites you mentioned.
2007-01-09 23:43:51 · answer #6 · answered by dzwomper 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋