Wireless Internet?

[Roxyluvsme13]

I was wondering about how you set up wireless internet, how it works, and some of the prices and such. Any advice is appreciated

[Karen]

If you have cable internet, you need to get a wireless router that you just set up, and then make sure yor machine has the capability to recive the signal - most laptops do, but you might need to buy a card to put in it. Check your manual.

[Jessika]

Your computer itself needs to have a wireless card so it can pick up the signal. Most newer laptops come with wireless capabilities already built-in.

Then you will need to purchase a wireless router, as Karen said above, and connect it to your modem, et viola!

REMEMBER THOUGH!! ANYONE WITHIN RANGE CAN PICK UP THE SIGNAL AND USE YOUR INTERNET! So be sure to secure the connection! For mine I have a MAC filter turned on on the router itself. A MAC address is not an IP address; it is your computer's unique thumbprint. You can not change your MAC address without purchasing and installing a new motherboard.

For my connection, I have all computers blacklisted from using my wireless internet UNLESS their mac address is in my safe list.


Oops, prices! Sorry....

Check with your current internet provider to see if they have any "Deals" on wireless modems. Otherwise, Walmart.com has some for really cheap! The best brands I have worked with, in my opinion, Linksys is #1!! Second is SMC, they're pretty good. Motorola is ok, but we had a loooot of problems setting our computer up with the motorola wireless router....

HERE is a link to a search for wireless routers at walmart.com

[Roxyluvsme13]

Is there anything you can buy to have internet without a router or anything?

[Jessika]

Nope, you HAVE to buy a wireless router or else how can the signal be broadcasted? And you also HAVE to buy a wireless card if your computer is not already equipped with wireless capabilities.

EDIT: Well I mean, you can buy a wireless modem, but they are MUCH more expensive.

[Roxyluvsme13]

Nope, you HAVE to buy a wireless router or else how can the signal be broadcasted? And you also HAVE to buy a wireless card if your computer is not already equipped with wireless capabilities.

EDIT: Well I mean, you can buy a wireless modem, but they are MUCH more expensive.

What's a wireless modem o__O

[Jessika]

A modem is what connects you to the internet. If you have cable or dsl, then it is the box that plugs in to the wall. If you are on dial-up, it is located internally in your computer.

[Roxyluvsme13]

I knew that, but a wireless one doesnt connect or anything?