How can I make my old laptop wireless?

Question

I have a Compaq Presario 2500 that can only connect to the web via a wired modem. I'm going on holiday in the UK soon and I want to be able to hook up wirelessly so that I can access emails etc. while I'm away. What do I need to plug in to the laptop to hook up to a wireless connection? Please reply as if you're explaining to a 3-year-old (but without the sarcasm)!

Answer 1

Simple

USB dongle

Answer 2

If your laptop does not have wifi already, I would buy a wifi PCMCIA card.  If you are staying at a hotel, I would think they should have free wifi there.

Now the other thing is, I would not install the included software from the manufacturer that comes on the CD.  Plug the device in first.  Then windows will tell you that it found new hardware.  Insert the CD and it will automatically press next for you.  That way, you don't get all that extra junk on your computer.

I always tell people about powerline, but that technology won't work for you here.  But you can still check this video out to see how it works: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NoBYr3EzkPw

Answer 3

Most UK connections use 802.11b or g.

Some will use 802.11n but not all.

As such make sure you have a dongle or PCMCIA card that is 802.11b/g compatible, this should link you to just about anything.

Thankfully there are more and more free hotspots coming available, McDonalds is one and most hotels are realizing that people are demanding free access so check your services out.

Its a matter of you just choosing which connection method is best for you as well, to be fair the USB dongles are OK but I see a lot broken.

If you put a PCMCIA card in (check your computer has a slot) they tend to be a little more robust but can be a little more expensive, they are a lot easier to set up, just switch the notebook on and your sorted - with the dongle you need to plug it in and be aware of knocking the dongle or pulling the cable out.

Answer 4

USB dongle will do - a PCIMCIA wireless card would be better, as they have a lower profile sticking out the side of the laptop, and tend to have better aerials.

Answer 5

dongle

jst go into a computer shop and ask for a dongle for wireless connection

Answer 6

use a dongle

http://popular.ebay.co.uk/ns/Computing/D...

Answer 7

Click on this link and you'll get a idea what you might need:- http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/56...