[Shari Ainsley]

I know absolutely nothing about wireless internet. I have dsl now on my desktop pc. I'm in college and I am planning on buying a laptop within the next few weeks. If i buy a laptop thats Wi-Fi capable.....but i choose to keep the dsl at my house and jus hook that up to the laptop will I be able to pick up the interent when I go to a hotspot with wi-fi or will i have to pay for wireless internet service in order to pick it up anywhere? Could someone explain to me how it all works? and maybe some prices on wirelss internet?

[DoubleHelix]

If you want to use wireless networking at home, you'd have to buy a wireless router if you don't already have one. Post the exact make and model of any equipment your DSL provider gave you.

If you want to connect the laptop to wireless hotspots, then you don't have to buy anything as long as the hotspot provides free access. Some do, some don't.

[valis]

moved to networking.

[valis]

and welcome to tsg, shari....

[wtrode]

What company do you get your DSL service from? I know Verizon is a big DSL provider in my area and typically the package the modem and wireless router together. You may already have a wireless router and just not know/realize it

In the event you do not have a wireless router, you can pick up a used on eBay for $40-$60. I think a good model would be the Linksys WRT54GL (this isn't meant to start a which is better war so please don't bother).

When it comes to pricing, your network service provider *typically* does not charge you for wireless internet. What this means is that you are in charge of getting yourself setup and running your wireless network. However, if you are traveling or out-and-about and need to connect to a hot spot, you are at the mercy of who is running the hot spot in terms of pricing.

[dlsayremn]

Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN network connection) and Wireless Internet Service are not the same thing.

Wireless Internet Service is similar to cellphone or satallite TV operation and usually operates on different frquencies than Wi-Fi, requiring special equipment that a (Wireless) ISP will rent are sell to you along with a service package. Usually costs more than cable or DSL

The wireless card in your laptop will be for LAN connections. It is a very low-powered radio transceiver with a range of usually under a 100 feet. It will be able to connect to any open wireless LAN within range. A hotspot is just a place where someone offers wireless LAN service to the public. It may be open, anyone can connect to it; or semi-protected so that you need a passcode (for a fee) to connect.

For wireless usage at home you will need a dsl modem or router that has a built-in wireless transceiver. (wireless ready).

If you don't have wireless capable equipment, the laptop should have an ethernet connection so you can access the net through your modem.

Hope I explained this well.