Help!

I am looking at laptops (desperately need a new one). Most come equipped with wireless capability now. :confused: How does that work? This may sound stupid...but...do you sign up with a wireless service provider? Who might they be? Any help is much appreciated.

Michele

Usually all you have to do is get some kind of wireless router and then configure your wireless card for that router. You might even find that if you buy from Dell or other computer manufacturers that they will sell whatever routing device you need to go along with your card.

Hi David!

Stupid question number 2: If I'm in a hotel, the router goes with me and plugs into the telephone/data port?

Michele

No, not at all. If at a hotel you have to configure your network card to access the wireless network. Don't ask me how to do that but others may know.

Your wireless network card will search for a signal and get a dynamic IP from the local wireless network, be it a hotel or a park or in a city. Once a connection has been established, you're online.

Thanks!

This technology is just not in my frame of reference yet...but I'll bite the bullet and learn... :p

As usual, thanks for all the help!

Michele

You've gotten some info on how to get it up and running, but here's my tip.

Make sure you make your network secure. At the very least, require a username and ID to be able to log into it.

I can sit in my living room and access the wireless networks of four of my neighbors. I can actually get on their network, see their hard drives, etc... It's just not worth it if you don't make it secure.

Also, if you plan to use wireless in public, make sure you've got a good firewall software program running. There are tons of places throughout the US that offer free wireless access...but it does open you up to the potential of other people in the area trying to hack your system.

Thanks thejenn!

Thanks for reinforcing the firewall issue. You could really have fun with the neighbors :eek:

Any recommendations on good firewalls?

Michele