Difference between wireless card and wireless adapter?

Question

Also, how do I know if a certain wireless card will work with my laptop?

Dow wireless cards work anywhere in the world? How do they work? You just slot it in and you've got internet?

Answer 1

Some types of devices I've seen are the card that goes in a desktop card slot, an adapter that inserts into a laptop drive port, and an adapter that fits in a USB port.  I use a wireless card in my desktop and it works OK.  I tried one of the USB port types, but it wasn't very good.  

Most laptops have the wireless capability built in.  

There are standard protocol(s) that are backward compatible used almost everywhere.  Some countries have more or less allowable frequencies.  When you set up your adapter, there will be installation software that will ask where you are operating.  It will set you up to obey local frequency requirements.

Answer 2

well ill break it down easily, there are about 3 types available for wireless, 2 of which will work with a laptop

the laptop card adapter fits into the laptop card slot in your laptop, this one is the best to use for it gives best range and speed.

there is also a usb adapter you can connect to any computer and any usb port, works simply, but not as fast or greater range.

and then there is an adapter for desktop computers which goes inside the computer

wireless cards should work anywhere in the worlds unless the specific router runs on different frequencies.

they work by simply transmitting data over the air from the router to the computer.

just consult the products box to see if it will work with your laptop, bets option if you dont know is to pick up a wireless usb adapter explained above

you may need a couple config options to get it running (especially if the network is secured) nevertheless if its like a college or something, should work fine.

make sure you also install drivers included in the package

final note is a suggestion:

a linksys usb wireless n adapter from any retailer should do the best trick

Answer 3

A broadband card will get service provided you are paying for it from the same signal cell phones use

A network card pics up a wifi signal from a wireless access point.  if it is unsecured you can get access to the WEB from anywhere in the world

Answer 4

It's kind of just words. If you have a laptop, you need either a wireless card, or a USB wireless adapter. They do make wireless PCI cards for desktop PC's that ill not work for you. It should be obvious from the box which ones are for laptops.

You may want to get a USB one that you can use on any computer.

I would recommend getting at least one that supports Wireless G with WEP and WPA encryption. Pretty much anyone tehse days will have that.

That card should work with pretty much any wireless access point. Note that just having a wireless card in your laptop won't give you internet access. You need to be within range of a wireless router or hotspot. If you need internet anywhere, then you may need on of those broadband cellular based cards you can get from sprint, verizon, etc.

Answer 5

Usually when we use the term wireless card, we are talking about a cellular wireless card.  An adapter is usually for a wifi.  However, you can still have a wireless card for wifi.  In most cases, they are the same exact thing.  The water is really muddy.