Connection choice

I have a Satellite laptop and Dell Dimension 4600c desktop with Windows XP Professional. I want to be able to use my laptop besides at my home. I have a dsl modem and linksys router, but I don't know if I need additional equipment or what type of connection to make.

I appreciate your help.

 

If you want to use your laptop outside the house, all you need is some kind of mobile connection card. You have a few choices:

(1) the easiest is to have a WiFi card in your laptop. Using that, you will be able to connect to 802.11 a/b/g networks (regular wireless networks - based on the capabilities of the card). Your laptop, unless it is very old, probably already has such a card. To connect to the internet outside, you need to find a place that has an access point. Places like book stores, starbucks, etc. have these. Just turn on the wireless card, open a browser, and follow the instructions that show up.

(2) If you want internet access anywhere, regardless of access point, you probably want to go with a mobile broadband card. You can get these from cell phone companies. These cards let you get on the internet anywhere you can get a cell phone signal. Setup and installation are very easy, instructions come with the card. If you get one of these, you will most likely have to pay a monthly fee.

Regards,

z.