What is a wireless network card?

Question

I am buying a laptop and want to use the internet without connecting any wires to it. Is that even possible?

Answer 1

A) Wireless network card - a device that allows you computer to communicate with other wireless devices, such as a wireless access point ( a type of router for wireless devices) a wireless printer, or any other of a plethora of wireless devices.

Before you buy your laptop check to see if it has a wireless adapter built in, some do, some do not. If the one you want does not you can purchase a wireless adapter in several different formats that will work for your laptop. They typically come in USB or PC Card variants for laptops. Average price varies from $20 for an inexpensive USB wireless adapter to $100 for a top of the line PC Card wireless N standard device.

Even when you have a wireless adapter in your laptop, you will need a wireless access point or wireless router.

The next step is to get a wireless access point or router to connect to your DSL or Cable modem. These too vary widely in price based on what features you choose. Average price around $50 and can cost up to $250. If your laptop does not come with a wireless adapter it may be best to buy a wireless router or access point, and the wireless adapter at the same time and the same brand. Many stores offer better price breaks when you purchase the Wireless adapter and the wireless router or access point at the same time.

When you visit "free wireless zones" such as many restaurants and coffee shops have these days you won't need your wireless access point. Just the wireless adapter in your laptop will work fine.

Answer 2

You need to buy a laptop which is WiFi enabled. This will allow you to connect to a local area network (your home) wirelessly.

You will also need a wireless router to connect to you phone or cable line and send the internet signal to your laptop. When your buying the laptop look out for offers where this is included in the package.

Hope this helps you
Richard (giloi2007)

Answer 3

It is very possible and done all the time.

Some notebooks come with a built in wireless capability. These need no network card added.

Notebooks that do not come with a built in wireless can be made wireless capable with a pcmcia wireless card. Linksys, 3Com, Netgear and others make these. They are plugged into the pcmcia slot of the notebook

Answer 4

All you will need is a wireless router on you network supplier connection. I like the Linksys WRT54G. It is reasonably priced and gives good service. Set up some type of security, change the login password and set it to channel 11 for cordless phones won't interfere.

Answer 5

it allows you to surf the net without attaching a wire to the modem. however you need to have a wifi switch first that attaches to the modem. make sure to password protect the thing - otherwise guy's like me can surf for free on your dime.

Answer 6

Use a linksys router;
http://www.custom-computerz.com/forums/routers.html

Answer 7

yea i belive every laptop made now has built in wifi