WiFi

[Nanook]

Oh please, will someone take the time to explain WiFi?

Is there a way to find out if where I live it works? What software should I be asking for when I buy a new computer if I want Wifi?

I need a Wifi for dummies course, please.

thank you in advance

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[j-kid]

Re: WiFi

It would be much easier if you ask questions specifically about certain areas of WiFi you don't understand, than for us to try and cover all the areas in one lesson.

To start:

There are special WiFi detectors that you can buy, however, you don't really need them because when you power up your PC under Windows XP, if the PC is WiFi capable, it will detect any wireless network in close proximity. You just will not have access unless it is an un-secured network. In other words, you will need a password or key to gain access if it is a secured network. You don't need special software, you will need special hardware (WiFi modem or Wifi router and WiFi access card in the PC), if your computer is not already WiFi capable.

[Wahalla]

Re: WiFi

I have a wifi set up at home and am currently on one in the hotel..

On setting up WIFI (setting up routers ect) if you are on AOL the set ups are not complicated rather they are long winded, unforgiving and burdensone.. Forget the plug and play it does not exist And despite what are teh gumf tells you although they are all compitible note that the settings on the wifi and computer are not that straight forward.. I spent a total of 6 hours get my broadband, computer wifi router to communicate.. I then found out that up to 25 % of people who buy wifi routers return them (report in hte New Straights Times).. At hotels they seem to be simple just password and go... I also discovered that since each of the bits of equipment support have their own speak they blame each other.. So frankly if I did it again I would buy the computer, router, broadband from the same place even if it is more expensive so they could not say its the other ones fault...

Having gone wireless never want to be connected by cable again.. I only own a laptop.. And as I need one to travel with have to buy another so getting it set up at home should prove painful!

[Nanook]

Re: WiFi

Ok, so I'm more confused than ever now, hehe...

Say I buy a new computer that is wifi ready. OK, I bring it home, now what?

[Wahalla]

Re: WiFi

I think you need a something to broadcast the signal to the computer receiver... (Deh computer mad people call hit a router!!!!!!)

Instead af deh computer connect to deh wall sacket deh router cannket tuh deh wall sacket or cable cannection....

Deh computer den haffi hunderstand deh signal an talk back to deh router.. Think af deh router as a transmiting station like ah radio an deh computer as a receiver....

Trust me its all designed to mek commputer people ah jab!!!!

[Nanook]

Re: WiFi

Thanks Wahalla, So the router has to be somewhere to transmit a signal? Now I am more confused!

Someone that lives here (I'm at a friends and this person isn't here) has a wifi set up on her computer, she can access the internet anywhere there is some signal, which isn't here where she lives, but she can drive about half mile up the road and access it. I've seen her access the internet from the city sitting wherever she is. How does a router come into play now?

[Tuff Gong]

Re: WiFi

[ QUOTE ]
Thanks Wahalla, So the router has to be somewhere to transmit a signal? Now I am more confused!

Someone that lives here (I'm at a friends and this person isn't here) has a wifi set up on her computer, she can access the internet anywhere there is some signal, which isn't here where she lives, but she can drive about half mile up the road and access it. I've seen her access the internet from the city sitting wherever she is. How does a router come into play now?

[/ QUOTE ]

I assume you are talking about a laptop?
Most new laptops will come WIFI ready.

You will have to configure you network device to use DHCP ("Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol"), very easy in Win-XP (which is what I assume most new systems will be kitted out with). In Windows-XP the exact sequence escapes me, but it is merely going to the network setup, specifically to the Wireless Devices and instructing Windows to scan for a signal(s).

If there are unsecured Network Signals or specifically designated HotSpots it will display them, you click and one it asks a few questions, most likely Network ID, the answer is generally "default", then click and away you go.


Here are some more on configuring Wireless Devices:
Wireless Networking

[Seveen]

Re: WiFi

(((nanook)))

buy a WiFi ready computer

after that if you are near a hotspot - you will be able to sign on and use it (that's why your friend is driving - to get on the hotspot (also high speed - and like me at the hotel last week - boy that was great)

at home - you can set up a router so you essentially have a "hot spot" at home - via your phone company

also - and i'm checking on this more - it appears Sprint and Verizon have a pc card - that makes your computer a hotspot anywhere

hope this helps [img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Nanook]

Re: WiFi

OK I am getting a clearer picture now. yes, my next computer will be a laptop, I'm tired of this big thing in my living room, it somehow made a miraculous recovery from all the trouble I was having but I know it is only a matter of time so I'm planning ahead, thans Tuff Gong, Seveen, Wahalla and JKind!

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[Seveen]

Re: WiFi

hey nanook - i work in the computer industry but i must say i was in awe - when my computer was working cordless (on battery power) and i was accessing hi-speed internet and those pages were loading quick quick

did you see the post about the Dell computers on ebay ?

[j-kid]

Re: WiFi

[ QUOTE ]
(((nanook)))


also - and i'm checking on this more - it appears Sprint and Verizon have a pc card - that makes your computer a hotspot anywhere

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't you mean it makes your PC ABLE to detect hotspots anywhere?

I don't think anyone wants to make their laptop a temporary hotspot, nor is it practical. You would disconnect others in the middle of their surfing when you power off your laptop. Also, why would you want to provide free service to others, when Sprint and Verizon charge you an arm an a leg for mobil internet access?

[Tuff Gong]

Re: WiFi

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
(((nanook)))


also - and i'm checking on this more - it appears Sprint and Verizon have a pc card - that makes your computer a hotspot anywhere

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't you mean it makes your PC ABLE to detect hotspots anywhere?

I don't think anyone wants to make their laptop a temporary hotspot, nor is it practical. You would disconnect others in the middle of their surfing when you power off your laptop. Also, why would you want to provide free service to others, when Sprint and Verizon charge you an arm an a leg for mobil internet access?

[/ QUOTE ]

It is Ooman Caad, wear it instead of, or in conjunction with make-up.

[Nanook]

Re: WiFi

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
(((nanook)))


also - and i'm checking on this more - it appears Sprint and Verizon have a pc card - that makes your computer a hotspot anywhere

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Don't you mean it makes your PC ABLE to detect hotspots anywhere?

I don't think anyone wants to make their laptop a temporary hotspot, nor is it practical. You would disconnect others in the middle of their surfing when you power off your laptop. Also, why would you want to provide free service to others, when Sprint and Verizon charge you an arm an a leg for mobil internet access?

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh oh I'm getting more confused again! It almost seems as though I'd end up doing what JKid's avatar is doing.

OK, so let me ask this a diffent way to help myself gain a better understanding. Is this kinds like cell phone reception then? Can you use your service anywhere? Like, say I drive to Mpls or take a trip out west. Would I be roaming? Do the wifi networks come with unlimited internet time or do you pay for minutes like a cell phone & get charged for overtime?

Seveen, are you talking about the thread I posted about the Ebay Dell computers?

[j-kid]

Re: WiFi

You have to separate the discussion between home wireless service and Mobile (sprint, T-monile, etc) wireless service.

When you are home using a land line all you pay for is your monthly phone or cable bill. When you go through your mobile provider for wireless service, you pay for airtime just like your cell phone, roaming and all (presently at a higher rate). You could always get a phone card or use the phone dial-up jack on most laptop sinstead and get an adapter cord, that allows you to plug it to a capable cell phone with the jack, and share your monthly cell phone minutes, instead of being billed separate for internet accesss. However, this method is slow slow, dial-up over a cell phone., a throwback to the days of 28.8 speed modems. With a cell phone provider internet subscription you won't have to depend on hotspots, when you are away from your home base-station.

[Nanook]

Re: WiFi

lol Jkid, I am connected at 37k right now, same as I get at home, a good day is 40k; I wouldn't want to be paying big bucks for this! OK so now I am finally getting a little understanding on this. So....

I'm driving down the road and I see a billboard for mcDonalds. (yuk) On the billboard they are advertising the place as a "wifi hotspot". Does that mean what I thnk it does? If you sit in mcdonalds you can surf the internet for free? BOAL, before I go any further let me just put this disclaimer:I have never in my life eaten a mcdonalds burger & no, wifi shall not lead me astray. .

Then I also remember them making Downtown Duluth a Wifi friendly for tourists, could we elaborate on what that means?

See, I really do need a wifi for dummies class, lolol....

Thank you all so much for the info so far!
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