Computer techies..please explain wi-fi and traveling

TandJ61574

Mouseketeer
Joined
Oct 13, 2002
Messages
341
Sorry if this has been asked before and please excuse my ignorance on this subject.

Here are my questions.

1. Can you please explain wireless internet? We are going on a trip and I was wondering if I could access the internet anywhere while on the road by getting a wireless network card for my laptop?

2. Is there a monthly fee? Can you give me approx. costs?

TIA
 
Wireless networking requires you to be in close proximity to a wireless access point (WAP). In order to use a WAP, you need to be authorized to access the internet through the access point. Some hotels now offer wireless access. The fees vary depending on the hotel chain. If memory serves me, the most expensive access fees are around $10 a day.
 
Those are some pretty broad questions, but I'll give it a shot.princess:

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a broad generic term for wireless networks. A wireless network will have access points, devices that transmit/receive wireless signals within a limited range. (Like a room or a building.)

To connect to the wireless network, you'll need a wireless network card in your laptop (or other computing device).

Then, if you are in the "hot" range, AND if you have permission to use the network, you can connect. Different networks will be set up different ways, but in commercial locations like hotels or coffee shops I think that "pay for access" is the most common model. You'll have to find the network's domain name (from an administrator, or printed on signage somewhere usually). Then you'll log in, and make payment arrangements for your usage.

Here's a link to one site that has more information, and a way to search for wireless hotspots: The Wi-Fi Alliance
 
Thanks for the replies...so then are you telling me that I can not access the internet from the road anywhere?

Darn, I thought it was too good to be true.
 

If you're thinking of surfing the internet while you're in your car, there are 2 ways to do this:

1. If you have an internet capable cell phone that you can hook up to a pc, you can use it as a modem and dial out thru the cellphone. Standard minutes rates apply in this case.

2. You purchase a wireless modem card for your laptop. This allows you to connect to the internet via a provider just like a dial-up. Sprint & Earthlink are some who provide this service for around $70-100 a month depending on bandwith and usage terms. The wireless modem card will run you anywhere from $100-$300 depending on model and brand.
 
Originally posted by oogieboogie
You purchase a wireless modem card for your laptop. This allows you to connect to the internet via a provider just like a dial-up. Sprint & Earthlink are some who provide this service for around $70-100 a month depending on bandwith and usage terms. The wireless modem card will run you anywhere from $100-$300 depending on model and brand.

Yes!!! This is the answer I was looking for ..thank you oogie...

Now where do I get this modem card at? I am guessing Best Buy?

How do I find out if my laptop already has wireless built in?

I am assuming that I will not need to buy the modem card if I have wireless????

Also, do you have to sign a contract for a year or more with Sprint or Earthlink or can you do it month by month?

Thanks!!
 
Originally posted by TandJ61574
Yes!!! This is the answer I was looking for ..thank you oogie...

Now where do I get this modem card at? I am guessing Best Buy?

The service provider should have it. They can sell it to you.

How do I find out if my laptop already has wireless built in?

Under the control panel, you will see an icon labeled system. Under this you should have a device manager button/tab/icon. Look under the network adapters to see if you have a wireless built in.

I am assuming that I will not need to buy the modem card if I have wireless????

Incorrect. Your wireless is a wireless network card, not the same as a wireless modem card. Think of a wireless modem as a cellphone for computers. If you want to do your surfing in a hotel/coffee shop/airport or at home where you have 2 or more computers sharing internet connection, a wireless network card would do. If you want to surf while you're driving in a car, you need a wireless modem.

Also, do you have to sign a contract for a year or more with Sprint or Earthlink or can you do it month by month? Never done this, so don't know. Check their website.

Thanks!!
 
Come to Canada and you can buy your WI Fi cards for about 49-139 dollars
 
Originally posted by DSNY FN
Come to Canada and you can buy your WI Fi cards for about 49-139 dollars

hmmm....can I order instead of going all the way there?
 
I do not see why not just log onto www.futureshop.ca they are owned by Best Buy now and it is all in Canadian dollars. The prices I just looked at ranged from 44.99 to 229 this is Canadian and the cheaper prices were SMC products which still work just great.
 
I have a wi-fi card on my pocket PC and have noticed alot of FREE wi-fi spots while checking out neighborhoods. I dont know if it matters that I live in a big city.

I'm wondering if WDW has wi-fi spots.
 
Anyone that has wi fi at home you can drive through their neighbourhoods and get online via their network most peole do not set it up to protect against outside connections. I can drive up and down myu street and connect via 7 different houses. Down by the university you can pretty much drive for a 10 block radius and hop between networks.
 
I recently got the Sprint card and I pay $40 a month with a one year contract. I still needed the Sprint card (about $150) even though I have wireless access on my laptop. It works anywhere that my Sprint phone works.

I also have a Sprint Treo 600 phone that has internet access on it. I don't pay any extra for it nor does it use my minutes. It's pretty cumbersome but it does work.

I have signed on the the internet off of someone else's wireless system - especially when visiting someone who lives in a condo.

I do have my home wireless system protected so that you have to have my ID code to get in but it comes in handy when visiting relatives are there as I can give them the code and they can use their own computer.

Can you tell that I like to stay connected?
 














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