Wi-Fi novice needs help! General questions.....?

Question

If I buy a Wi-Fi "box" for my house does this mean that the pc and laptops can connect to the internet wirelessly?
How does this work?
Do you have to connect the wi-fi box to anything?
Are some wi-fi boxes better than others?
What can I expect to pay for a decent wi-fi system?

Answer 1

A WIFI box (router) will allow you to connect to the internet using both WIFI and hard wire. A WIFI router not only broadcasts the internet out to any computer that is WIFI capable, but can also the hard wired to any computer in the house by the use of CAT5 cables.

Or you can add a WIFI card to your PC and it too can connect via WIFI.

Also, a router enables you to set up a network which will allow the sharing of data between the computer that are connected to this network.

A good router should cost around $50 - $70.

The router will connect directly to your internet modem.

Most WIFI equipment is pretty much on a par with each other. Some prefer Belkin, some like Netgear, etc. The brand really doesn't make all the much difference.

Hope this didn't confuse you too much.

Answer 2

Well, you can buy a Wireless Router, for around $60, your laptops then can connect ot the internet wirelessly if the have a NIC card, your pc's will have to have an adapter, it can either be a PCI or USB hook up.