Attention Computer Aficionados: How do I set up my PC for wireless internet?

[Blue Belle]

I am moving into than apartment that has wireless internet access. The problem is, I have never used it before and I don't have wireless capabilities on my PC. What will I need to do/purchase to be able to access this service?

[SeattleGirl]

1. You'll need a wireless internet card.

[Blue Belle]

2. Do I get that at someplace like circuit city??

or do I have to purchase it through a company like verizon?

[Bunny]

4. If you buy it at Circuit City, be sure to show your receipt when you leave.

:)

[johnnie]

3. A usb connection will work

Just plug it into your usb port and there ya go.

[Blue Belle]

5. Where would I get sometrhing like that?

Do I have to have a specific wireless plan?

[johnnie]

6. You can get those at Best Buy or Circuit City

I'm not really sure how your apartment sets that up. I am guessing you will need your own Internet plan, but I can't say for sure.

[CatholicEdHead]

8. Actually Home Depot has better prices

BB and CC have a $20 markup on their WiFi cards. If it is a laptop, go with a 802.11g card, if it is a desktop, go with an 802.11g USB adapter for the back of the machine.

Home Depot has the PC Card at $35 and USB for $39, where BB and CC can be pushing $60 for their cards. Home Depot has the nondescript Belkin line. I would go with the standard 802.11g and I assume your base station is also 802.11g. Don't forget to turn on your WPA encryption on the base station (and then put the Hexadecimal code on remote machine when you connect). After you make the initial connection, then go back in and turn off your SSID, as the computer will reconnect automatically.

The pre-802.11n hardware is still too expensive for the speed boost.

[coffeenap]

7. My experience is that just having the USB device will

allow you to pick up whatever network is open. You might need to get a log-in code from your apt. people, but if the network is there, all you need is the USB wireless device. Good luck.

[deucemagnet]

9. If you go with the wireless USB adapter, be sure that

you have a high speed USB port available, as most wireless USB adapters require them. I've always gotten a better signal with a PCI card, but either one will work.

[Deja Q]

10. I'd be a bit paranoid on security, so I've disabled all my wi-fi gear...

Even with software firewall and such, and WEP2, et cetera, it's still easier to get into than a wired setup.

May as well keep the number of open holes to a minimum.

In short, I personally recommend against it, but I do see the value in it...

[CatholicEdHead]

11. I still use it as it is better now than stringing Cat5 or Cat6

through existing walls. As of now my router is my firewall. I am not sure I can justify $7K for a hardcore hardware firewall (e.g. Dell).