So I called my techie friend

[madamesilverspurs]

and told him that I hope to be able to upgrade from dialup to wireless someday soon. He knows that I'm a relative neophyte; he also knows that my laptop came with a wi-fi card. I asked him "where do I go from here?" and he said

aslk slls lslllsllsl vovj/wl llii ci a;kjf. Then you need to a;lskd co atehn.lkssh lslahh;; kodppdcpl.als sllkf, making sure that a;lsakd nvoz//wina/aamnvocm ds..sonll. You could also awi/q ap'p a'pifh ;hba ;alkA" <[nnsl l;alkh if you'd rather.[br />
He tried, he really did. But he even got to the point where he was talking louder to help me understand (I don't think Berlitz covers this, though). I decided not to ask him how much it would cost, seeing as how.

So can anybody tell me, in non-techie words, how to shop for wireless service and supplies? (Necessary info -- I'm on an extremely limited budget, income is presently under $800/month; I'm trying to change that, and figure that wi-fi would really help in that effort. There are wi-fi cafes in town, but it's hard for me to carry the thing around and my home is set up to accomodate my limitations).

Thanks for any input!

[ThomCat]

1. I think a basic introductory course in computer technology

would be a good start so that you'll at least understand what someone is saying when they give you advice. :(

[madamesilverspurs]

3. Would if I could

but I can't so I haven't.

[Kali]

7. that might be a good idea, but if funds are limited DU is a fabulous resource

the computer help forum is populated by some of the best here, and when they get to talking over your head they are VERY good about re-explaining. I have learned SO much from them.

[madamesilverspurs]

9. Will keep that in mind, thanks for the reminder.

I'd gotten some good advice when my laptop was new and giving me fits, I'd forgotten. Again, thanks!

[NJmaverick]

2. First question

what do you mean by wireless service? Are you talking internet anywhere in you home or are you thinking internet access on the road (or anywher for that matter)?

[madamesilverspurs]

4. Internet in my home,

where my workspace is. I have taken the laptop to wi-fi cafes, but it's difficult. The carry shoulder is already holding my portable oxygen, and the other side needs to be free to use a cane.

[NJmaverick]

5. First thing you need is to see if cheap DSL Internet service is available

I know verizon used to offer a stripped down service for around the price of dial up. This replaces your old dial up. Once you have your DSL service, you need to purchase a wireless router (which costs about $50). Then you need to invite your tech friend over to set everything up for you.

[madamesilverspurs]

6. Thanks!

Guess I'll start with Quest, I have a discounted landline through them.

Non sequitor: Are you really in New Jersey? I spent part of the summer of 1970 in Hohokus, visiting with relatives; had a grand time time getting introduced to Chock-ful-o-nuts donuts after riding the trains into 'the city.'

[NJmaverick]

14. Yup I am from NJ

don't recall ever seeing Chock-ful-o-nuts donuts though. Let me know how you make out with your computer issue

[madamesilverspurs]

18. Timing

sucks on my efforts. As it happens, I'm stuck with my clunker for a while and it's become rather urgent that I replace a couple of the very large tires. So, anything I'd hoped to be able to do with upgrading to wireless is going to have to wait a while.

The donuts, by the way, were whole wheat and dusted with powdered sugar; my aunt required that I bring them home after each trip into NYC.

Thanks again for the conversation, it's very much appreciated.

[Kali]

8. check out the DU computer group

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=242
search for your topics then ask away! It doesn't move as fast as some other forums but they almost always help or at least send you on to a place that can. Good people there.

[madamesilverspurs]

10. Thanks for the link!

[whistler162]

11. That was a accurate description.... what is the problem?

http://www.dailywireless.com/features/wifi-for-dummies-103106/ might help.

You would actually go from dialup to sometype of cable/dsl/fios connection.

[madamesilverspurs]

12. Thank you!

[Duer 157099]

13. I'll second the suggestion to ask in the computer forum

the thread won't sink nearly as fast and there will be several people who can help.

After you find out what services are available to you, people can help with the hardware end of it.

I don't know anything about DSL so I can't say anything, but my setup is via cable and there are only two pieces of hardware I need: the modem which brings the cable signal into my house, and a router that is hooked up to the modem and that send the wireless signal to my computer. The router can go either wired or wireless.

Also, if you have a craigslist for your area, that's a very good resource for very inexpensive equipment.

[dembotoz]

15. less attractive alternative to dsl would be thru your

cell phone provider.
Most have some sort of a data plan and can supply you with what you need for your laptop.

More expensive than dsl and some cable at @ 60 per month but it does fill a hole
where dsl and cable are not available.

before you go there make sure your area is truly 3g for coverage and make sure you understand the
download limits that come with the wireless plans.

[dembotoz]

16. another thought--

have you tried to fire up your wireless card right where you are????

sometimes there is a non encripted network you can climb on right where you are.

perhaps not the most ethical route, but free is a good price.....

[lukasahero]

17. I have no advice but just wanted to thank you

for the laugh. :rofl: