Wireless card?

[Praey]

Hey all,

Im not very knowledgeable in the wireless area but I want to get a card that will let me pick up wireless internet signals. A recent aquaintance had a laptop was a`wireless internet ready` and she just told the computer to look for networks and luckily was able to connect to a nearby network. My laptop did not come with the wireless card built but I want the same feature. Im not sure which piece of hardware Im looking for since there seem to be so many. Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks,
Praey

 

[Appledrop]

you want one of these. They all do the same job, just pick one according to budget and the reviews theyve recieved etc.
Your laptop 99% will have a PCMCIA slot, but check to make sure anyway i suppose.

 

[bluestrobe]

Be warned its not wise to use wireless networks that are not for the public. Because you can "see" one and use it doesn't mean its public.

 

[beijingkoala]

Originally posted by: bluestrobe
Be warned its not wise to use wireless networks that are not for the public. Because you can "see" one and use it doesn't mean its public.

Why?

 

[RollWave]

because its stealing a service someone else paid for.

 

[bluestrobe]

Its like stealing someone else's cable service, software, or power. I can detect 3 unsecured networks sitting at my desk but I never have used them. The owners might wisen up take action if I were to use them.

Search other threads and you'll find this is mentioned a lot

 

[Gurck]

Originally posted by: bluestrobe
Its like stealing someone else's cable service, software, or power. I can detect 3 unsecured networks sitting at my desk but I never have used them. The owners might wisen up take action if I were to use them.

Search other threads and you'll find this is mentioned a lot

Unless your PC has network permissions given and no firewall, what can they do but boot you & ban your MAC address (which can easily be spoofed to get back on if you wanted)? I'm not endorsing stealing, just wondering about the technical aspect of it.

 

[charlietee]

You can buy the PCMCIA slot like the one Azzy64 was so kind to link you to.

Or you can buy one that plugs into one of your USB ports.

LINK

If you look on the page there are several models...G...B

I like them because you can also connect them to desktops.

Nice to have one...USB or PCMCIA...Starbucks, Wendys' many other places have wirless networks setup just for your convience.

 

[charlietee]

You can buy the PCMCIA slot like the one Azzy64 was so kind to link you to.

Or you can buy one that plugs into one of your USB ports.

LINK

If you look on the page there are several models...G...B

I like them because you can also connect them to desktops.

Nice to have one...USB or PCMCIA...Starbucks, Wendys' many other places have wirless networks setup just for your convience.

 

[Praey]

Thanks so much for all teh replies, sorry for my delayed thanks. Internet access is hard to come by for me at the moment. Youve all been very helpful, thanks again.