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Date Posted: 20:12:52 08/09/08 Sat
Author: LisaJAG
Subject: Wi-Fi

Hey everyone I could use your help. I want to buy a laptop but I have no idea how this whole wi-fi thing works. Right now I own a PC and use cable connection for the internet access. Do I pay a monthly fee for wi-fi too? Is that connected to my local cable company?

I guess I'm looking for general "How does wi-fi work and who do I pay" info, lol. Thank you!!!

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You just buy a wireless router from Future Shop, Best Buys, etc., plug it in, and then you can use your computers and wireless printers, tivo, etc. from anywhere in the house. At least, that is what I do with cable. If you take your laptop outside the house, you can access the internet from wi-fi free cafes, libraries, offices, etc., but you shouldn't steal wi-fi from your neighbours. -- Cece, 00:02:20 08/10/08 Sun [1]

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[> [> Oh I should add, sometimes you will need a password outside the house to access the internet. But that won't present a problem. Just ask for it in wi-fi free places. -- Cece, 00:03:45 08/10/08 Sun [1]

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[> [> What????? I stopped (sorta) when you all told me to. By the way, maybe they meant it as a gift :-) -- BadNeighborCarrotts, 13:55:34 09/19/08 Fri [1]

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[> Just make sure when setup the wireless router that you password protect it or someone could steal your bandwidth. Also if your laptop has a built in wireless card need to know if G or N. N is the newest format and is faster then G. Not all cards support the N format it so if card in laptop doesn't support it but buy a router that does and it isn't backward compatible won't work or if does work won't be as fast. I would do a little research to find the best one for the price. Places like cnet will rate the different routers. -- Hope, 09:04:06 08/10/08 Sun [1]

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[> Thank you for your input. I'm just not sure does the wireless internet router use paid to the cable company? I understand you buy the router at the store but who do I pay for the internet access? -- LisaJAG...thank goodness I have a place to go like this!, 18:03:00 08/10/08 Sun [1]

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[> [> If your internet access comes from the cable company, your wireless access should be included. I'm a Mac computer person, and all Macs come with wireless capabilities included through an internal airport. I don't have to do anything but turn on my computer, and assure I have a wireless signal. (inside) -- doc, 05:45:09 08/11/08 Mon [1]

My internet access is through AT&T, and I have only 1 router connected by a “hardwire connection” to a stationary computer in my study. I have 2 portable computers, which can "access" the router from anywhere in my house.

Since I don’t use IBM/Windows type clones, I’m not sure about internal wireless capabilities, but I’m pretty sure they’re available on most newer model computers. I purchased a portable computer (Toshiba) for my sister for Christmas last year, and she was able to turn it on & access my wireless router immediately. My router is password protected, so all I had to do was provide her with the password & she could use the internet “in my house” on her computer. I’m pretty sure that most portable computers are set up that way today. Seems to me that you just need to assure that your internet router has wireless capabilities.

Like I said, my internet is provided as DSL through AT&T, and all their “DSL” routers are wireless. I’ve had internet service through the cable company before, and the router had wireless capabilities as well. I would call the company, which provides your internet service, & ask them about capabilities & cost. Ask whether you need a different (new) router, the cost, & inquire about download speeds. For example, AT&T has different plans/costs based on the speed of the DSL paln. The cheaper the plan, the slower the speed. The internal wireless card on your portable computer will also control the speed of your downloads.

Bottom line, your internet access/speed/cost is all from 1 internet provider. You just need to decide who best fits your needs, speed capabilities, compatibility with your computer, and cost. I’d check with both the phone company & your cable provider to see what they offer. Depending on where you live, you might not have service available if the fiberoptic cables haven’t yet been laid. Some remote areas can only receive “dial up” service.

Also, like Cece mentioned above, your wireless computer should be able to pick up a signal in other establishments that offer free services. For example, places like Starbucks, Panera bakery, hotels, hospitals, etc. As long as the institution offers free wireless internet signal, your wireless laptop should be able to access the internet. You will usually be prompt with a “set-up” or password to access the internet when you try to log on. Some place, like hotels, charge for their service, so be careful to notice if your credit card will be charged.

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[> [> [> doc is right your laptop should already have a built in wireless card. Unless it is a few years old all laptops these days already have one. Your service provider will provide a modem or you can buy your own. These may or may not be wireless depending. I bought my own cable modem a few years ago then bought a wirless router later on. -- Hope, 09:05:58 08/11/08 Mon [1]

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[> Also, if your PC isn't too old, it can be wireless too using the same wireless router. If it is too old, no worries. You just attach your PC to the router, and move your laptop around the house. Right now, I have two PC desktops both wireless, and a Mac laptop, also wireless. I also have wireless mice, keyboard, printer, and my tivo is running off a wireless router. It's great. -- Cece, 09:56:24 08/11/08 Mon [1]

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[> [> Even if old should be able to pick up a wirless card to use on it, they make them that just plug into the USB ports now so easy to install. Same with a laptop if it dosen't have one can purchase an external one for it. -- Hope, 11:49:50 08/11/08 Mon [1]

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[> [> [> I was unable to use wireless on my old Windows 98 computer, purchased in 1999. But it was ok, as I just kept that one attached to the cable. Now it has gone to CPU heaven, but its hard drive data lives on. -- Cece, 13:04:27 08/11/08 Mon [1]

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