My desktop uses DSL. I am looking for an inexpensive way to set up a laptop for use in other rooms of the house. Since this is my first laptop, I have no idea what I will need to purchase. Please help.
2007-03-25 03:17:15 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
If you are buying a new laptop chances are that the laptop comes already with a built-in wireless card. Ask your vendor first. If it does not, buy a PCMI wireless card or a USB card.
To get wireless capabilities at your home buy a wireless router. After installing your wireless router, your laptop will be able to catch the signal of your router and you will be online in no time :).
Good luck
2007-03-25 05:03:07 · answer #1 · answered by Roland 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only the cheapest of laptops (or old used ones) - don't have an 'internal wireless card".... so if you're buying new, you should be all set. It will automagically find wireless connections for you and will let you know when one is available. If you're into 'blue tooth', your wireless card can also be bluetooth if you want.
If you're buying an older computer or one without internal wiress, you need a PCM-CIA NIC card. It will come with software that you install and work similar to the internal wireless ones. I find that the newer internal wireless ones find connections a little faster and more automatic but the PCM ones are fine. I know they have USB ones - but you won't like it for the laptop. They stick out the back and get damaged easily. The PCM-CIA ones stick in the side your your computer in the larger slot there and just remain there. They only stick out about 1/3" or so.
You'll be able to pick up signals anywhere there is a wireless signal.... for home use, you'll have to get a wireless router or have roadrunner provide one for you (if you're using TW). Of course, wireless doesn't work with dial-up. Make sure you have a modem installed as well so you can use a phone if you have to....
2007-03-25 10:25:30 · answer #2 · answered by longhats 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your laptop should already be configured for wireless networking.All you should need is a router which you can find fairly inexpensive online.Try newegg.com or tigerdirect.com
and look for wireless routers.Thanks
2007-03-25 10:27:34 · answer #3 · answered by Nikki P 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
the laptop itself will most probably have wireless capabilities straight from the box, but you need to have a wireless router to take advantage of it
2007-03-25 10:21:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Linksys wireless router is easy ti use.and very affordable. I like it.
2007-03-25 10:33:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋