Wireless network purchase???? please help???

Question

i just recently purchased a laptop. I need to buy adapter to connect.. If i buy the linksys adapter is that all i need to be able to connect to network all the time or do i need a service provider? can someone explain what i need to do to get connection on a secure network of my own.. First time owner of computer.. im a bit lost.

Answer 1

You need a internet-service-provider (ISP) to provide a connection.  This could be your cable/satellite (cable-internet) company or a phone company (DSL).

Call around to your phone company and cable/satellite provider to get price quotes.  See what you can afford to get the most for your money (most people are very happy with around 5Mbps, I have 1.5Mbps at college and it's plenty fast for my needs - just as a yardstick).  Make sure you ask if it costs extra to have multiple computers set up OR have a wireless-network installed.  Some companies will do that for free but others charge you extra monthly fee.  If you know your neighbors ask what they use and how they like it - that's the best way to find out what's good (and available) for your area.

Since you're just beginning I wouldn't try to get everything yourself (slightly cheaper), it's rather intimidating to try and get everything working at once, especially when you haven't done it before.  If you have any friends really good with computers they can probably help you figure out what's best and help you set it all up.

New laptops usually have wireless built-in (unless you specified otherwise) so you don't need a adapter, just the ISP.

Answer 2

You need to get an internet service provider.  Something like verizon or comcast.  Then you need to get a wireless router and if you just purchased a laptop it probably has wireless built in so then you should be good to go.

Answer 3

If you bought your laptop brand new, it should already have a wireless card built in.  I suggest getting a Linksys router because then I can show you how to secure the connection.

The wireless card that comes with you computer picks up signals contained in your house.  It is basically just like a wireless phone in your house.  The range is about the same.

You will need to get cable or DSL.  DSL is usually cheaper.  You can also go with T-Mobile.  They have a good deal on cellular Internet that you can take around with you no matter where you are.  They have a $49.99 unlimited data access plan.  But usually, cable or DSL is what you go with if you have a family connecting to this.