Please help, I am cofused about wireless

I am really confused about the wireless world. Actaully computers in general but I am trying to learn. I just purchased a Dell Inspirion 1520 and I am waiting for it to get here. In the meantime, I would like to set up my internet plan so that I will have internet access. How do I do this? I don't currently have any internet connection so I will be buying whatever it is I need to get set up. I have heard some things about the cards you can buy thorough cell phone providers and I was wondering about those too. Will someone please explain it to me? I built my computer with "1505 Wireless N Mini Card" and it has "Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem". Do those things even have anything to do with connecting? Thanks for any help you can give me...

 

Sorry, CONFUSED!

 

Hello,

My name is Richard; I work for Dell's Online Community Outreach group. Since you have a wireless card in the computer you will have to obtain a wireless router. You can get a good idea of what you need by consulting the internet service provider.

Let the provider know that you have a wireless portable device and require internet service. They can advise you of what devices they can provide and what you will need to buy on your own. Wireless routers are reasonably priced around $30.00. Good luck with getting setup a wireless network in your home!

Regards,

Richard B
Dell Online Community Outreach

 

You'll be able to connect without buying anything else using the built-in modem and a dial-up account with an internet service provider. I wouldn't recommend this, however. The dial-up connection is only good for occasional use because the connection will be slow and will tie up your phone line.

A better route is to get a broadband connection (cable or DSL). It is possible to plug your computer into the cable/DSL modem using a network cable between modem and the computer's network port, but this defeats the purpose of having a laptop because your computer will be physically attached to the modem. If you're ok with leaving your computer in one place, this will work fine.

The ideal solution is as Richard says, get a wireless router. You'll need a broadband connection. The router will connect to the cable/DSL modem and provide a wireless access point. Your computer will connect to the router with the built-in wireless card. The router can be a regular "G" router, or one of the newer "N" routers. If you have a really good broadband connection and will be downloading lots of large files, it might be worthwhile to pay a bit more for the N router, otherwise the G router will be fine. Note that the standards for wireless N have not been finalized, so there is the possibility your current N equipment may not work with other N equipment in the future.

With a wireless connection, you get the convenience of being able to use your computer anywhere in your house (as long as your house is not humungous) and still be connected to the internet.

 

If you already have Verizon cellular service you can get a discount on their fast internet access using a card. It costs a bit more than DSL or cable but you have the freedom of using it when you travel where there's a Verizon service. DSL cost almost the same as cable but if you bundle your cable with wireless you might get a discount. Cable is faster than DSL. There's a service called Clearwire and this one you can take the modem with you and access the internet wherever you're in their service area.

 

A brief overview here.