How to get a wireless connection onto desktop computer?

Question

My desktop computer upstairs doesn't have internet, and I would like to get wireless. The laptop I'm using right now has wireless, and it's downstairs. I'm not very tech savy, but I heard of this "chip" that you can get to get wireless internet. Where can I buy it, how much does it cost, and is that the only thing nessicary I need to get internet? Connection wise, I would like to either use the laptops wireless connection or use a neighboors, I looked at the connections available on my laptop and theres a ton. Would it work upstairs?

I have neighboors permission, they are friendly.

Answer 1

If you are getting Wireless on your laptop, i assume you already have a wireless router.

To get wireless internet on your desktop you need a Wireless Ethernet Adapter or WLAN Card.

They come in 2 different styles.

PCI Card - which you would need to open up the case and insert the card (probably not your best choice)

OR

USB Dongle - the easiest way to go, install the CD, plug the dongle into your USB port, and surf away.

PCI Card is about $20, USB Dongle about $30-35

Answer 2

Wireless Connection For Desktop

Answer 3

If there's that many connections chances are a handful will still be fairly strong signals upstairs or down. Keep in mind if you connect to a neighbours internet connection without their permission it is illegal and court proceedings could follow. There are cards and adaptors available to buy to connect a PC to a wireless connection. Some of these are conected via USB, and are sometimes connected with a wire to act as an external antenna. Others are simply cards you slot into your PC card reader. You can also get PCI adaptors which you "plug" into the back of your PC. These vary in price, but you can usually pick up a decent one for around £30. They are available in almost all hardware shops and online retailers. Have fun!

Answer 4

Yes. All you have to do is get a wireless card for a desktop. Go to a store and ask for a wireless desktop card. Your laptop has a built in Wireless G card. So get a Wireless G desktop card.
It should be anywhere from 20 to 40. Linksys is a pretty good brand and so is netgear. But if i had to choose i would go with Linsys. Cisco is the number one leading industry in networking and they own Linksys. So you go from there.

Answer 5

You (or your neighbor) has a cable modem or DSL with a wireless router hooked up and the laptop is connecting to it. All you need is a USB wireless access point (cost $20-$40) it is a little USB adapter that will pick up the wireless signal from the router and allow the desk top to connect to the wireless router. Just run the set up disk it comes with and follow the instructions you'll be up and running in no time.

Answer 6

I currently have a desk top hard wired through Sudden Link, I also have their TV package and phone. I wanted wireless for my lap top and other devises. My problem is the notebook picks up the signal fine but my lap top picks up the signal but won t connect. I hate paying for all these services especially when the wireless doesn t work on my lap top. To the question: Direct TV offers a package which would include a wireless connection for a flat $99.00 one time fee. Would I be able to feed off that wireless connection using additional devises?

Answer 7

What you need to purchase is a wireless adapter and a router with a wireless access point to hook up the upstairs computer and create a network for all your home computers.

Prices vary depending on what you want and what you can afford. Different types are faster and have a longer range, but those also cost more than the slower versions.

Your choices for wireless are:

802.11b
802.11g
802.11n

The first is the slowest, and the last is the fastest.

Now, using your neighbors connection without permission is theft of bandwidth. When you access a neighbor's wireless connection you are using up bandwidth they are paying for. I understand some people are either too inexperianced to add proper security to their wireless access point, or simply don't know that they should, but that does not give other's permission to jump onto their connection.

Some ignorant people assume that if the neighbors, or whomever is in the area where they wish to "jump" a connection don't have security which locks other's out, that they deserve to have others steal their bandwidth. That is just ignorant thinking and behavior.

This is the same type of attitude which thinks that if the neighbor leaves a door or window unlocked it is OK for others walking by or whom live in the area to help themselves to their belongings. Bandwidth is something you buy, and when somebody else jumps onto the connection that takes up bandwidth that is bought and paid for by somebody else. That is theft and it is wrong.

I know some people might be willing to allow you to use their connection if you ask them. There are those who do not secure their connection on purpose because they are part of a movement which shares their bandwidth with travelers. They usually put some type of sign out on their garage area which tells others the connection is available for use. When they travel they too are allowed to borrow anothers connection who is part of this group. There isn't any formal membership, it is ran on a trust basis.

So, if you can't afford your own ISP contract right now, go and ask your neighbor if you can borrow their connection for a while until you can get your own contract. You may be told no, but you may be told yes, you won't know until you ask. If you are told no, I hope you respect that and don't jump their connection just because you are angry.

Good luck and much success with your own network configurtion. There is a bit of expense in the beginning, but it is worthwhile to have your own network.

Answer 8

yes, you would have to purchase a wireless chip and have it installed in your PC. You will also need a wireless router set up in your home which is fairly easy to do. That's about it

Answer 9

You need a wireless adapter as seen here: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1272636&sku=T156-2114

Also, hacking into a neighbor's wireless network may be against the law.

Answer 10

wireless connection desktop computer: https://bitly.im/c10/how-to-get-a-wireless-connection-onto-desktop-computer