Wireless For the Mentally Challenged

Hi everyone, I need detailed, step by step advice. I am buying my first brand new laptop and I intend to use wireless internet but don't have the first clue of exactly how to accomplish that. The computer I think I'm going to buy is an HP Pavillion DV 5000. For wireless it has: Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection (whatever that means).

First question, is this sufficient? I am trying to get a laptop that has wireless built in, where I don't have to add anything to make it wireless. Secondly, what else, if anything should I have built in to the laptop or added as an accessory before I order it? I've read talk of routers and ethenets. Should I add those into the build of the laptop? And if so how do I choose?

Thirdly, I need a step by step guide of what to do once I get my new wireless laptop. Make it plain! Give me a step one, step two, step three.

Here is my internet situation now. I have dialup. Need I say more. So you can see this will be a big upgrade for me and I need instructions from the beginning. I have already read a lot about wireless on this site, but much of it is above my head.

I want to be able to use wireless internet in my house and whenever I go out.

Also, along with instructing me how to get things set up, can you let me know how much it will cost me. I'm paying $10.95 a month for internet now. Approximately what will it cost once I'm all wirelessly connected?

I really appreciate it.

 

This will be quite a big change huh? First of all, you don't need anything else "built-in" as far as the notebook is concerned. You will however need a wireless router. You might be able to get this with your new internet subscription.

Step 1:

You need to look around for a broadband subscription in your area. Prices will most likely vary a great deal. Try to figure out how much you need to use the internet, and how fast you will need it to be. Pretty much every speed will be a great improvement. Sign up, and see if you can get a wireless router with your subscription.

Step 2:

Follow the instructions from your internet supplier. This will most likely involve plugging the router to a phone outlet, and logging on to your router to do some set-up.


But please look at the choices as far as broadband connections in your area goes, first!

 

I will try to answer some of your questions but I am really tired...

The Intel PRO 3945ABG card will let your laptop connect wirelessly to the internet. So you don't need to purchase anything special on your laptop to connect to the wireless internet. Just make sure you get the 3945ABG card.

You are also going to need a wireless router. I would also recommend that you upgrade you dial up connection to DSL or Cable.

If you want to learn more about wireless I would recommend reading this.
Tim

 

Okay, so far what I understand is

Step 1: Upgrade my dialup to Broadband, DSL, Cable.
Step 2: Get a router.

Questions:

1. Are Broadband, DSL, Cable all the same thing? How do I go about finding out what's available in my area?
2. I beleive Hewlett Packard offers a choice for me to buy a router with my laptop. Should I do this or get the router through my internet subscription?

Anyone have anything to add to my steps?

 

broadband is an umbrella term. dsl and cable are considered broadband. basically, if it's faster then dialup, it's broadband.

buy a router.

read the user manuals.

 

cyndi:
1) See what drumfu said. Check with your local cable company and phone company as to what's available for Cable Internet or DSL.
2) The router HP offers you will probably cost much more than one at Best Buy or something similar Also, some DSL and cable providers will give you a modem/router combo that includes a wireless connection. In that case, you'll just need to set it up. If not (it depents on the provider you choose....), go get a WRT54G (my personal preference) or another 802.11g compatible broadband router, and you'll use that in conjunction with the modem your broadband provider supplies to create your wireless network. Make sure that you enable WPA as your encryption if you want to keep your systems safe.

 

Thanks. Will I need anything extra in order to be able to connect to the internet when I'm away from home?

 

No. Just make sure your laptop switch (if it's hardware) for wireless is switched on. The built in adaptor will then detect all available networks.

Some will be secure- you won't be able to sign into these unless, for whatever reason, you have the password. Others will be completely open, and you'll be able to use those, although the legality of 'stealing' other people's bandwidth is open to question.

For on the move- eg, if you're in a cafe like Starbucks, your laptop may show an 'open/unsecured' network, but when you connect, it'll bring you to a page where you need to setup a user account for that network provider and often the opportunity to buy airtime- like with a mobile phone. This could mean a fixed contract or pay-as-you-go. Some wireless providers allow you to by 'top up' style cards that will give you a certain amount of wireless time.

I hope that's clear and hasn't confused you further!

 

Is there a subscription service I could sign up for that will allow me to sign on even if there are no available connections? I don't want to be stealing.

 

No; your wireless config setup- whatever that will be- will tell you *all* networks in a given area at any time. Even if you do subscribe to a provider, you can't guarantee there'll be coverage given by that specific provider everywhere you go.

 

the only way to get internet connectivity "anywhere" is to get an EVDO card (or whatever the other service is called). it's basically a card you plug into your computer that's a high speed "modem". you can connect anywhere, but it's a little pricey... about 60ish? a month. and there's no guarantee that it works "everywhere".