Some clarification about "going wireless"

My new laptop has a built in WiFi card so I have a question about connecting to the internet. Theoretically speaking, all I have to do, because I already have the WiFi card, is go into an area where an acces point is (cafe, school campus, etc) and connect using that, correct? I don't have to buy anything extra (routers, etc.) because routers serve the purpose of making a "wired" network/internet connection, wireless in the home, correct? Sorry this is a little scatterbrained but I haven't been able to install my parents' ISP software on the laptop to try it out. Thanks

-Jesse

 

You are correct, you should be able to go to a wireless "hot spot" and connect automatically without buyign anything else. Of course, most of those cafes do charge for the time you spend surfing using their connection but you don't have to buy any additional equipment to use your wireless connection.

Technically, routers manage multiple connections so if you have both a wireless device and a desktop device at home, a router allows both of them to connect to the Internet across the same broadband connection. They also have some security benefits but we won't go into the full description of what all they do here. A wireless Access Point is the base station that allows you to use wireless at home. Think of it kind of like a cordless phone. You need both the base station and the phone in order to be able to talk to anyone. Same basic principle for wireless networking - you need the access point (base station) and the wifi device for it to work.

While I make a technical distinction between the router and the Access Point, it is VERY common to see combination units these days so in practical terms, you are right that the router/AP combo is what most people have at home to allow them to connect wirelessly.

 

Thanks for clarifying that.

 

I just bought a laptop computer and I need information about how to get internet access and what are the functions of the modems and internal wireless because I am new at this and I need some help.

If anyone knows something that is willing to help me please reply soon.

 

Not hard.

Depending on the Wireless card, and most likely it is a 2200 or 2915 card, all you need to do is this. Install the drivers found on the drivers disc included but if not download it from Intel's site.

After you installed the drivers, open up Intel Wireless PROSet, and there turn on the wireless card - and you should(May not though) see a few SSID's or wireless routers.

However, it doesn't mean you can get on the connection, some of them are locked with a WEP or WPA security key.

StarBucks has free WiFi, you pay for it as 20% of the cost of a Frappacino goes into the WiFi

 

Do a Google for "free wireless" and you should find some near you. Most libraries have wireless access.

 

its a newbie question but i tried to connect to the wifi in starbucks... i didnt work..

can you list the steps to successfully connect to the network?

 

There should be a wireless icon in the Tray - near the clock. R-click on it and choose "View Wireless Networks". When the Starbucks system shows up there should be the words "unsecured system" or words to that effect in the window that pops up. Just click the "Connect" button and that should get you connected. Before the window shows "Connected" you will see "Acquiring Network Address" while your wireless adapter is going through the connection process.

If you do not see the word "unsecured" then it means you need a password to connect. I don't know how Starbucks have their systems setup. It may be free but still requires a password.

 

thanks for the reply... yes i received the starbucks wifi connection.. i had to configure it to connect.. it required a wireless security password.. where can i obtain the password for their free services?

 

You would have to ask them. You can only get that free wireless within the store though.

 

since when did starbucks offer free wifi?

 

Must be there own decision. It probaly brings in business.

 

can anybody clarify if this is true or not? starbucks usually offers pay-for-wifi at all the ones i've frequented in OC and LA.

 

I always thought that Starbucks had a "pay for" wireless access, until this thread started. For those who don't know, most Panera Bread outlets have FREE wireless access. If you look up their website the locations with wireless are marked. But if you know of a location that is not marked for wireless the site may just not have been updated and the location could have wireless.

 

I think it is there choice. Starbucks that dont have as good sales offer it to bring in more people, then they start charging. Its just there option i guess.

 

Yeah - if the WiFi is unsecured, just double click it and it will acquire and IP address and connect.

If it is secured (I don't know wether it is, sorry), then you need a key...I'm not exactly sure how you do it at starbucks.

 

If you dont need a password, you probaly dont have to pay. If you do have to pay, i pop up should come up and let you know. If there is a passord, ask an employee

 

ok, clarification...

all this talk about free wifi at starbucks is nonsense. they offer a pay service. enable wifi, launch your browser and you will be directed to a website where you can buy time; either 24 hrs worth of access or monthly recurring access.

as above poster said, paniera bakeries all offer free wifi. you can also google for free wifi spots. i believe "it's a grind" also offers free wifi.

 

Hmmm they offer free WiFi here.

Well at least they did like 6-8 months ago.

Oh well.

 

I also believe that Starbucks here offers free Wifi access...and most other "well-known" coffee shops; it's almost a must-have nowadays to be successful...

 

I'm not sure about Timothy's but Second Cup has it...

Maybe if you want access you need to ask them(after you buy a coffee for $5) and they'll give it to you and it changes everyday?