how do i make my home computer wireless and how can i get the strongest signal?

Question

its a sony vaio windows xp...how much should it cost and can you suggest some details on the hardware/software i should need? Thanks...

Answer 1

Assuming you already have some form of high-speed Inetrnet access at home (DSL or cable) then you need:

1) A wireless router

2) A wireless adapter for your computer

These days, the best wireless equipment is the new Wireless-N, which has greater range, speed and signal strength than the older Wireless-G and Wireless-B equipment. All required software is contained on the CDs which come with the equipment. It doesn't really matter which brand- Linksys, D-Link, Netgear- they are all fine. Just be sure to buy the same brand of router and card for maximum compatibility.

Buy a Wireless PC card, install it inside your computer in an open PCI slot, and you're set.

If you buy a USB wireless adapter, you can just plug it into any available USB 2.0 port, and don't have to open your computer's case. Of course if your computer is more than two years old, it might only have USB 1.1 ports, in which case you'd want the PC card instead.

Total cost would be around $200 for Wireless-N, or $100
for Wireless-G (which is what most people have)

Answer 2

First you need a broadband connecion (Cable or DSL) and a Wireless router. Your notebook should have a built in wireless card to connect to a wireless network. A wireless router essentially broadcast the connection to create what is called an access point. You then can connect to the Internet using this access point. To set one up at home, you need to determine what kind of connection you have. Once you make that determination, you need to purchase a Wireless-G Router (Linksys Recommended). You may have heard of Wireless-N routers, but they are expensive ($200), and your notebook may not support it. You then need to set up the router in a location that is free of any clutter, since this can degrade the signal. If you have Cable, connect the cable from the cable modem to the "Uplink" port on the wireless router. Consult the manual that came with the router on how to do this. Once everything has been hooked up, turn on the router and your notebook. On the notebook, enable the wireless card. Go to the Control Panel and double click on the Wireless Network Icon and follow the instructions. You may want to secure your wireless connection to prevent others from using your connection. After everything's been set up, and working you can now access the Internet anywhere in your home. In order to obtain the strongest signal, you need to be as close as possible to the access point. The closer you are, the faster the connection. The range for a wireless connection is up to 200 yards, provided that there are no objects that can cause the signal to degrade. Also, make sure the router is not near any sources of interference, such as a microwave oven or a cordless phone. With this in mind, enjoy your wireless connection!!! Good luck!!

Answer 3

Whatever you buy don't go with net-gear, they look nice but have all sorts of bugs in the software, I think that Linksys is the best and if I remember correctly they are also the cheapest. You need to get a wireless router and a wireless card for your laptop (Use the same company for both). Then you just need to use the installation CD.

Here's two links to some good products.
Router
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124190
Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833124110
and that will get your network going for about $100
(Newegg is a very trustworthy site)

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Assuming the laptop is already wireless and assuming you already have broadband, all you need is a wireless router. You can find these at Best Buy, Circuit City, and various places on-line.

They are fairly straight forward to install and easy to use. The prices range from around $40 to $80 depending on which brand and the features you choose.

Good luck.

Answer 5

You need at least two things.
1. You need to have a wireless adaptor/card in your laptop, if it is a newer one, then it probably has one built in. If you do not have one built in, you can buy one.
2. You need to have a wireless router. depending on who your ISP is, and what modem/router you are currently using, you should be able to ugrade or buy a wireless modem or router.
All you need to do is plug in your wireless modem or router, generally you will a booklet explaining on how to set up a wireless network. I would recommend that you set up a secure network, when you install the wireless modem or router, you will need to put in a 28 character key at the minimum, I think the choices are either 28 or 56. 28 is strong enough. You will also need to give your network a fairly unique name.
Switch on your laptop, and search for Wireless networks( from Control Panel, Networks ). Your network should show up, click connect, put in your key, and you are good to go.
Cost depends on how you connect. If it is via modem, your ISP should provide you one( not on dial-up !!)
if it is via cable, you can get one either from your ISP or go to a local computer store and buy one. You can pick up a cable modem for around $50 after rebates. If no rebates then you are looking at around $80 odd, but this is only for cable. I know this, because i just set up mine last weekend!
have fun

Answer 6

Well,
You need to setup a wireless network. Buy a router (preferably Linksys) and a wireless card (preferably USB)
It should cost about $150 if you buy the basic Linksys stuff (WRT54G router)

insert the cd for the router onto your main computer, and then plug everything in. (for info, the CD has instructions)
then, the CD will do a configuration add-on for you.

Answer 7

You have to use wireless hub in sited of Ethernet cable.

You should put your home computer at line of site(LOS) of the wireless router. Then the strength of this signal is more strongest.

Answer 8

first you need to register for a wireless internet service. then you go to the room in your house that has the laest clutter and set up the computer there or set your CPU near empty space.

Answer 9

you need "access point " Device !

try speed touch Products,,, they have plenty