I know absolutely nothing about wireless internet. I have dsl now on my desktop pc. I'm in college and I am planning on buying a laptop within the next few weeks. If i buy a laptop thats Wi-Fi capable.....but i choose to keep the dsl at my house and jus hook that up to the laptop will I be able to pick up the interent when I go to a hotspot with wi-fi or will i have to pay for wireless internet service in order to pick it up anywhere? Could someone explain to me how it all works? and myabe some prices on wirelss internet?
2007-08-02 06:45:37 · 5 answers · asked by foreverdixie417 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
get a wireless router for your DSL at home so you can use your laptop at home as well. As for other hotspots, most colleges offer free access so you can connect to that. anyplace else, they are most likely to charge you. most hoptspots are independant hotspots but if your looking for a roaming hotspot service you can get something like http://www.ipass.com
2007-08-02 07:01:50 · answer #1 · answered by Z 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several types of network connectivity capabilities that can be called wireless.
1. Commonly called wifi, which is the marketing name for the IEEE standard 802.11 (b, g, n). Wifi is the commonly deployed and oldest wireless technology and is probably what will come with your laptop. In order to use this in your home you would add a wireless router to your network. The wireless router would connect to the dsl modem, where your desktop plugs into today? You would also be able to use this in places that advertise wifi hotspots, such as starbucks, macdonalds, some hotels etc.. Wifi has a limited range, typically about 200 feet from the "access point". Not all these wifi hotspots are free, for example t-mobile is the "provider" for Starbucks, you need an account with their service in order use your laptop at Starbucks on their wifi network. Many hotels charge $10/day for wifi access.
"Cellular" wireless. The cellular network providers (Verizon, Sprint, Cingular) are using something called 3G wireless now. Each providers version is unique to them, but it allows you to put a special wireless card in your laptop and allows you to get Internet access on your laptop from anywhere you can get a cellular signal. This is yet another Internet service you need to purchase beyond your DSL.
Bluetooth. Yet another wireless technology, is primarily used for connecting devices over very short range (<50 feet). This is the technology behind those stupid looking things people stick in their ears, wireless computer mouse etc.. It can be used for Internet access, but it's not the best and requires something very local to be the master host - i.e. PALM to PC in close proximity.
2007-08-02 07:09:32 · answer #2 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you got most of your info correct. most hot spots do come with a nominal fee, but there are a few hot spots that are free. there are a number of mcdonalds that have free internet, and some coffee shops also. places like starbucks charge for the service through either verizon or t-mobile(one of the two), and at the airports. or you can just go through your local cell phone company to get a wireless card, and use thier service, but i personally think it isn't worth the money if you plan on just surfing and email on the go. that's just me.
2007-08-02 06:54:50 · answer #3 · answered by king_tots 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Colleges now have wifi on campus. Check with yours to see if they do.
Some hot spots are free some charge
See this link for info
http://www.technewsworld.com/hotspot-locator/
2007-08-02 06:52:35 · answer #4 · answered by DOUGLAS M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will have to pay for wi-fi outside of your home, because once outside you will use different provider.
2007-08-02 06:49:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋