Desktop computer internet - wireless & no router allowed?

Question

Hey,

Just wondering.

I'm going to university next month and won't be getting a laptop until Christmas time. I'm staying in halls and the place I'm staying has wireless and routers aren't allowed. How would a laptop connect to the wireless internet and can a desktop be connected anyway?

If not, I'll use my friend's laptop (if she lets me x])

Answer 1

Most laptops come equipped with wireless.

Answer 2

you wont need a router to connect to the network only a wireless adapter. these can be bought from any computer store and you will need the codes for the network but you will need them anyway with a wireless enabled laptop.

Both desktops and laptops can be connected this way.

Answer 3

Nearly all modern laptops have wireless built in so no extra gear should be required.  Desktops rarely have wireless capabilities as standard,  you can either have a USB wireless device or an extra card added.  

Answer 4

Well, an inexpensive USB adapter will work just fine on your Desktop to connect to wireless. (You don't have to open the box to install a PCI card that way!) Since they simply plug in to the USB ports they are easy to install and can be moved around some for better receiption with an extension cable!

Here are some inexpensive ones.

$9.95  802.11b/g http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=...

If you want one with a better antenna http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=...

Or

from Buy.com

http://www.buy.com/retail/usersearchresu...  (starts at about 30.00)

Linksys, Dlink, Netgear all make these as well like Linksys

http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite...

If you want a really strong one that can work long distances.. try one of these.

http://radiolabs.com/products/wireless/w...

These are expensive but have very high power and external antennas. - (Probably not needed for on Campus, great if you are a block or two off Campus!)

Your laptop will probably come with Wifi Card installed or have it as an option - most new machines have that builtin, but if not the USB adapters above also work with laptops that have USB and nearly all made today have that as well!

Good Luck

ps Westies RULE!  (we have a Shih Tzu mix as well he's the alpha)