Originally Posted by anonplz
If I want to go wireless, what kind of hardware (such as a wireless broadband router) do I need, and what kind of ongoing service plan? Is there a good wireless primer out there on the web? Thanks.
First, here's a primer:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10163_7...1.html?tag=txt
Hardware: you need a WI-FI card for your laptop if it doesn't have WI-FI built in, so that your laptop can access the wireless signals available to it at home, office, hotel, coffee shop, etc.
You need a router at your home if you have a Broadband internet connection, and you have multiple PCs or want to move your laptop aound and stay connected, and your home is not wired for computer networking. Just make sure it is WI-FI certified. That comes in flavors A, B, G. You don't need A if your company doesn't use it. I'd buy G (or G&B) if I were shopping today. If A/B/G jargon is confusing look here
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3243_7-...2.html?tag=txt
Service plan: First check with your telephone company about a DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) then check with your Cable TV company about a cable modem, plus you may have other options in your area. When my Electrical Engineer buddy who
worked for the phone company could not keep his DSL connection working I vowed never to try it.
Personally, I'm happy with my Linksys router that shares my AOL Broadband from Time Warner Cable through my home. (Boo hiss on AOL you may say? Their Kids & Teens features and virus/spam filters more than make up for their weak "content" and search.) Setting up and installing the router and getting the signal on three PCs was easier than I thought it would be.