Laptop and Wi-Fi

[kaye1948]

Although my laptop is Wi-Fi enabled, I am unsure whether this means I still need a Wi-Fi kit (Router and Card) or whether it just does it without the kit.

I usuallget notification that there are Wi-Fi networks available but I am unsure whether I need the kit to access them.

Any help would be most appreciated.

(Please remember that you are dealing with a complete novice here)

Thankyou for your time.

[Ralph]

By the sounds of things, you have the necessary kit to connect to the available wifi networks, but they are not yours so that'd be naughty (and against the law).

You wouldn't need a router and a card kit to make your own wifi network since you already have the card built in to the laptop. Just make sure that if you get a wireless router, make use of its security features so others can't access your network. It will come with instructions on how to do this, look out for WEP or even better, WPA security.

[fo3nix]

to get wireless internet, you need two things:

- wireless router, to transmit the internet signals wirelessly
- wireless adapter, in your computer, to receive these signals

your laptop has the latter. this means that you can receive wireless signals. as you get reports that wireless networks are available, I would think that one or a few of your neighbours have a wireless router, and you are able to receive their connections.

if they have not blocked it from you (by doing something called encryption: the WEP/WPA that ralph was talking about), you will be able to connect to the internet through their network. doing so is cheeky and probably illegal however.

assuming you have broadband internet, you need to buy a wireless router to use your own internet connection wirelessly.

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if you have ADSL broadband, i.e. through your standard phone line, you need an ADSL router. if you have cable broadband from NTL or telewest (maybe others?), you need a cable router. If your current broadband modem is connected through the USB port, you'll probably need to buy a router and modem in one: most routers don't accept USB connections.

[J_M_B]

If you want to check that it is working then try you laptop near PC World or McDonalds. It show that there is a signal and if you open Internet Explorer you will get a log on screen to BT Openzone. You won't be able to log on without an ID but at least you will see that it works.

If you travel away from home frequently then there are public access points in many places now. I usually use BT Openzone's Pay As You Go account to keep in touch with my EMail when away. Or if staying in a Travel Inn you can buy two hours access for �3. I believe the Tulip hotel chain are giving free WiFi Internet access to customers.

MB

[kaye1948]

Thankyou both so much for your quick replies.

I understand it a lot better now.

You have both been very helpful. 

[kaye1948]

Thankyou also J_M_B

I will remember that for future reference!!