Do I need to get wifi from my internet company? For a Dell insprion 2200.?

Question

The computer I am asking about it a dell inspirion 2200. I just got a laptop computer and it has the slot for a wifi card. In order to use wireless internet do I need to get it from my internet company or can I get a card and use it on a cellular signal (thats what I've heard). If I can do that what do I ask for (like what is the card). IF not then what do I need to do to get wireless service?

Answer 1

You could do a few things:

1) Use the Internet connection at home using your internet service provider
This entails buying a wireless access point and a wireless card for the laptop (if it is not built-in). This will allow you to use the wireless connection at home or free wireless hotspots (eg. coffee shops) to get on the Net.

2) Purchase a Broadband access card from your cellphone company (e.g, Verizon, Sprint).
This will allow you to pop in the wireless card they give you and get on the Internet wherever you have a cellphone signal.
Link for Verizon: http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices/wirelessinternet/
There is also a company called ClearWire that offers this service.

3) If you have a one of the newer cell phones, you may be able to use "tethering" whereby you connect your cell phone to the laptop and use the cell phone as a modem. Basically, this will be a ghetto version of #2 above. The speeds will be pretty slow if you do not have a 3G or EVDO enabled phone and if you are not in an area that supports these higher speeds.

Answer 2

Running an Ethernet Cable from your Comcast Modem they furnish to the WAN Port on a Multiport ROUTER.
this would allow you to connect any additional computers to the ports (LAN PORTS) on the Router you purchase.
Many users opt to purchase Multi port Wireless Routers this enables you the option of wireless connections on any computer equipped with wireless cards and to Hardwire any other computers in the multible ports on the router you purchase. This will enable you to connect as many computers as need be, all concurently all at the same time.
Don

Answer 3

If you have DSL/Cable at home, you just need to buy a Wireless Router and set it up to the main computer and enable and protect the Wireless connection and connect your laptop to the Router. Woola, wifi.