My roommate has wireless internet, but I do not know what I need to do to get it on my desktop. What do I look for to get the best reception?
2007-05-12 02:43:40 · 7 answers · asked by golden 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
Purchase a wireless network adapter for your desktop.
If the adapter doesn't come with any software (though it should) , the easiest way to set it up would be to go into your control panel and select "Wireless Network Setup". There, an installation wizard will help you through the process of connecting to your roommate's wireless network.
If your roommate has a WEP key ( password needed to access the network), ask him for it. And DO NOT share it with anyone else in your dorm or everyone will be "hitchhiking" on your internet connection.
2007-05-12 02:45:56 · answer #1 · answered by Freebrum 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is an easy one. You need to purchase yourself a wireless network card. There are many out there, so you will want to purchase one that is compatiable with the type of wireless router that your roommate has. More than likely it's a linksys router. The wireless network card can be purchased at Walmart, Target, etc. Some look like a card, while others look like a USB drive. I recommend the one that looks like a USB drive. Also, make sure that you purchase one that is 802.11g. That is for high speed internet routers. I would guess that is what your roomate has. You can look at the router to determine that. It will be printed on the label. You may have to download software for the card....it will be included in the box. Once installed, you will need to scan for wireless networks. Once your computer has found your roommates network, double click on it and put in the required information. Also, your roommate may have a security password for his/her network. This is known as a WEP key. It will probably be a 64 bit or 128 bit encryption. Make sure that you get that information, because you will need it in order to get access to the network. Once all of that is done, you should be good to go. GOOD LUCK!
2007-05-12 11:15:03 · answer #2 · answered by sxytechy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most desktop do not come with wireless capabilities when you buy them. You will have purchase a PCI wireless adapter (about $40) to install in your PC. It is fairly easy to do, and the adapter should come with instruction on how to do this. It will also come with a CD that contains the necessary software to run the adapter. There are USB wireless adapter available, but there are not as reliably or as fast a PCI adapter. The most important thing to consider is the type of wireless router you we be connecting to. Find a wireless card that is comparable with it.
2007-05-12 13:12:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to install a wireless card into the computer. Then you can wirelessly connect to any nearby wireless network. Most wireless networks have an internet connection, so if the network is unprotected, then you can wirelessly connect to the internet.
You can get a wireless card at www.froogle.com.
For installation help, you can go to www.geeksquad.com. They will help you setup the card for a small fee.
2007-05-12 09:54:10 · answer #4 · answered by xFrozen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to get a wireless network card put into your desktop, so that it can then connect to the wireless network in the room.
2007-05-12 09:47:40 · answer #5 · answered by Linds 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a wireless USB adapter like this:
http://www.techreport.com/reviews/2006q1/aiw-x1900/index.x?pg=1
It usually comes w/ a 1 meter USB extension cable that allows movement of the device to a location of best signal reception.
2007-05-12 09:52:05 · answer #6 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sell USB wireless adaptors at best buy. They look like those lil finger drives but they aren't. YOu just plug it into any available USB port and your pc should recognize it and start loading the software to make it work.
2007-05-12 09:49:49 · answer #7 · answered by ZX3R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋