I want to buy a lap top because of the convenience. How do you hook it up to the internet?

Question

May sound stupid, but I am not sure how it all works. I am mostly computer illiterate, so please explain how it all works in simple terms. I have no idea what I am doing.

Answer 1

There are two ways to do this, either wireless or wired. Since you stated that you are getting a laptop because of convenience, then I'll talk about wireless first. To get any internet service, you need a provider (ISP). They deliver the internet to your home via cables, or radio/ satellite signals. Once you sign up with them, they should provide a broadband modem if it is highspeed. The modem has an ethernet cord, (looks like a flat, telephone cord, just thicker) that has an end (looks like a telephone cord plug, just wider). You plug this cord into the back of a wireless router, which is a device that takes the connection and spreads it out around the house. Now, once you setup the router using the manual provided (it can get tricky, so hire someone to help you or maybe a relative or friend), you can, if the laptop has a wireless card, access the internet by connecting to this connection. This will also work to share your files and printer, however the setup process for this is too long to explain here.

If you want a wired connection, skip the router and plug your laptop directly into the ethernet cord. If you have more than one computer, the router is the best bet, you just plug the internet line into the router and then each of the computers into the router separately. Then, they each have internet.

I hope this helps. Good luck. Remember, networking can get tricky, especially if you use encryption (I recommend it, especially if you have neighbors within 500 feet because they could steal your internet service.). So it helps to have someone knowledgeable set the network up for you.

Hope I at least explained the basics.

Answer 2

If you already have an ISP , disregard what the person said above. If you want to have to have your laptop attached to a cord all the time , ie not much mobility , then , your set , once you get an ISP.

If you want wireless internet , get a wireless router , plug the modem into the router, and use the ethernet cable that came with the router , and plug that into your computer. Then pop in the router cd and your set.

Good Luck

Answer 3

First you have to choose an internet service privider [ISP]. You will then be given software to install in your computer, or some verbal instruction on what to do.

Answer 4

u can either hook up wirelessly by a wireless access point like a router or starbucks has one 2 or you can go through ethernet (cord)