The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Idiots new to a laptop and need help

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Donna, Jul 9, 2005.

  1. Donna

    Donna Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Ok, we got this laptop cause I need something to take to work with me. Not knowing anything about wireless connections, I figured it was doable. Now I'm not so sure. What do we need to do to actually hit the net with a laptop anywhere other than plugging into our home base and the price be reasonable? Thanks
     
    Donna, Jul 9, 2005
    #1
  2. Brian

    Brian Working at 486 Speed NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    947
    Messages:
    8,970
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    205
    First off you need integrated wireless, or an add-on card for your notebook. Second you need a wireless router. The router runs from $25-50 depending on features and speed. Lastly, you need something for the router to plug in to, like a cable modem or DSL setup.
     
    Brian, Jul 9, 2005
    #2
  3. Chutsman

    Chutsman Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    6
    Messages:
    609
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    By anywhere, if you mean connect to a public hotspot or Library, or one of the many hotels with free wireless, all you need is for the notebook to have a wireless adapter. If it did not come with one, you can add one in the form of either a pcmcia type or a usb type.

    For internet use you do not need anything faster than the "b" type. You will see faster types such as "g", "xtreme g", and there is now a type faster than "xtreme g". All are overkill for internet use.

    You can get a USB "b" type for as little as $5 after rebates if you are located in the USA.

    Hope that gets you started.
     
    Chutsman, Jul 10, 2005
    #3