ok i want to make my laptop wireless internet conection, i use a presario 2500 series laptop and im on pipex broadband with a speedtouch modem

my friend told me he used to have places all over my area were he could pull up with his car and access internet using someone elses wireless, buisnesses, houses etc


firstly what do i need for wireless ?

secondly how do you search for other wireless locations?

duno if its needed but this is the spec of my laptop:
Processor 2.8GHz Intel® Pentium® 4
Memory
512MB PC266MHz DDR RAM (2 x 256MB)

Hard drive 60GB Ultra DMA
CD-ROM / DVD Drive DVD-Rewriter (+RW)
Connectivity 56Kbps ITU V.92 modem
10/100BT Integrated Network Adapter
Infra Red Port
IEEE 1398 (Firewire)
Cache 512KB L2 cache
Video memory Up to 64MB shared †
Graphics ATI® Mobility Radeon™ graphics with up to 64MB video memory shared. †Shared video memory uses main system memory.
Audio 3D SoundBlaster Pro compatible sound 16 bit and integrated stereo speakers
Status display LED status with icons displayed on key operating information (power, sleep, batter charging/low, AC adapter, num lock, caps lock and scroll lock)
Diskette drive Not Included
Keyboard / mouse 88 key full-size keyboard 5 one-touch (programmable) buttons. Touch pad with on/off and dedicated scroll up/down zone
Available expansion slots One type II PC card slot CardBus-enabled
I/O interface VGA port • 3 USB 2.0 ports • 1 IEEE1398 (Firewire) port • 1 parallel port • 1 PS2 port • 1 RJ-11 modem connector • 1 RJ-45 Ethernet connector • S-Video TV-out (TV cable not supplied) • Infra Red Port • Headphone-out, microphone-in ports
Battery 8-cell Lithium-Ion battery
Pre-installed software Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
Monitor / display 15" XGA Active Matrix (TFT) display with resolution 1024 x 768

 

Regarding hardware, all you will need is a wireless card and a wireless access point which is suitable for use with your modem or a combined router and modem unit.

For finding unsecured wireless access points, Netstumbler - http://www.stumbler.net/ - should be all you need. Although saying that, not sure exactly what the law in this country says on the matter but Im assuming you will end up in the doo doo if you get caught

 

Quite simply, all you need for a wireless network using a laptop. Is a Wireless PCMCIA Card / USB. Around £30+ Gets you a card you slot into your laptop, or usb adaptor depending on which you prefer. Then all you need is a Access Point. This plugs into your network/Router which has your internet connection on. Then it's just a case of simply connecting your laptops new wirelesscard to the access point. Products are so user friendly now they all near enough come with a simple set up guide.

Connection to other networks is only possible if you are withing range of that access point, and that is hasnt been configured for security. There's 2 types of security with wireless networks. Adding your MAC address (each wireless card has an individual address) to the Access points, which will only allow that specifc address to connect. Or the other option is through the case of a password, which is usually encrypted. Companies running wireless networks will more then likely always have security enabled so there's no point trying to blag there internet. Home users are the ones who don't bother with the security side of things, and so are left open to attack from passers by.

 

ok so i need a Wireless PCMCIA Card and a combined router and modem unit


so the obvious next question is were and how much pls?

 

um **** just looked on ebay for wireless pcmcia and there loads of em! is a wireless network card the same? theres so many diff types, **** im confused now lol

dont they sell em in a kit with everythin all in??

 

up as im still unsure what exactly to get

 

For a wireless card, I have this :



http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...657351-6564443

and for an access point/router this would do the job:



http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/...657351-6564443

 

thankyou i shall have a look

you have mentioned they have to be compatible with eachother ( the pcmcia card and router)

how do i know what items are compatible

 

well chuffed, just bought the two (wpc54g and the wag54g) for 101.00 delivered new in box

 

ok so how do i get em to work once i get them?

 

RTFM.

 

Very easy to do, should be a step by step guide in the box, if you get stuck give me a private message i'll sort you out

 

that phrase is like an old friend.