internet with a laptop- how exactly?

[GraceAnais]

I'm about to buy a laptop with Wi-Fi built in technology and intel celeron. will i still have to buy a router so that i can get the internet? and will i have to install a phone line. my flat is set up for internet access but we don't pay to have a contract for a land-line at the moment.

are there any laptops you can get with build in routers, or is that not how it works? and if you do get a router what do you do with it? just plug it into the phone socket and then you can use the lap top all over the house? and do you just buy normal broadband like you would with a PC? so confused when it comes to laptops and the internet. please help!!

[dodamaksoud]

i don't think you can get built in routers but do what i did phone bt broadband make set up a line then buy a net gear wireless adapter from pc world the adapter is 89 quid but includes the usb stick that goes into a usb port in your lap top basically you link up the usb stick first and put in it's cd and follow the instructions then take that cd out and install the adapter cd. your adapter links up from your phone socket and the stick recieves the signals, no wires, no mess, no hassle - enjoy!

[clarabel82]

If you've got WiFi you won't need a wireless adapter but you will need a router which plugs into the phone line. once you have a network set up with the router your Wifi Laptop will automatically detect the network.

[GraceAnais]

so all i have to do is buy a router, plug into phone line and then get broadband from a company, such as telewest or bulldog? is that how it works.? and my computer will just pick up the router and therefore have internet access?

Will the broadband provider have to come round and do anything, like install it?

[wideboy]

No, you shouldn't need to get anyone to come round. Make sure that you get a modem/router and don't get a USB modem from the broadband supplier. If they can offer a modem/router even better. Try to site the modem/router close to the phone connection if possible. You need a filter on each phone connection (should be supplied). If you have to use a long cable from the phone box to the modem/router then make sure it is one continuous lead (Asda sell them) - no adapters or you'll have problems.

[GraceAnais]

so is a router the same as a modem?

so how will i be able to access my internet if no-one comes round...will they send me stuff? in my old house telewest came round and install broadband and gave me this 'webstar' box that sits next to my PC.

Also the internbet acess point is in the hall and i wanna use the laptop in the lounge (about 5metres away) will i need a cable or not?

[October]

Hi Grace, this is getting a bit confusing for everyone. What you need at the end of the day is a laptop that's wi-fi enabled, a separate router with a built in modem, a telephone line that is able to receive broadband and a contract with a broadband supplier.
The only advantage to having wireless is so that you can take your laptop (ie your PC) anywhere there's a signal. If you have a desktop PC and aint going anywhere, there's no point in being wirelessed.

The router plugs into your existing telephone socket then there's a filter which splits the data into voice and internet. The voice bit is connected to your telephone and the internet bit is connected to your router, both by physical cables. The router is also plugged into the electrickery part of your domestic system (a power socket just above the skirting board).
Now comes the clever bit - the router sends the internet signal out over the house, in all directions, which is picked up by your laptop. Just like a mobile phone signal. Radio waves with no wires, hence wireless.... However in order to get the internet signal in the first case, you need to subscribe to a supplier (eg AOL or Freeserve or whatever), usually on a monthly/annual contract.

Does that help at all, or have we totally confused you ??

[GraceAnais]

thanks October, i was getting majorly confused. in fact i've just been reading the Argos catalogue in hope of understanding but that hasn't helped either. your answer was great though. i actually think i understand now what i have to do.

basically i buy a wi-fi enabled laptop, a router with a modem built in and then connect to a supplier such as AOL. and all routers provide broadband yeah? cos i can't deal with dial-up!!!...will i have to have a special router with a fast built in modem to get broadband?

one question though, i live in a block of flats...will others be able to tap into my internet connection if my router is sending out a signal? and if they do is this a problem?

sorry if i sound like a dumb girl but technology has moved on without me!!!

[wideboy]

Yes, GraceAnais, others can use your internet connection (and maybe even your hard disc if you share it). You will have to go into setting up security according to the manual that comes with the router.

Your modem/router will suit all speeds.

[GraceAnais]

ok wideboy. finally i think i am getting somewhere. so i have to buy:

• a laptop that is wireless enabled


• a router with a built in modem


• get a connection with a broadband company...do i just ring them up, give them my details, pay the cash and it is there? ready for me to use? they won't have to install it?

[wideboy]

I think you've got it!

If you already have a dial-up, you might want to sign up to an ISP that way just now.

BT change your phone line at their end so that it can take broadband.

That should be it.

[badgerxx]

That's what you need!

Don't forget once it is set up to secure your wireless connection. At the very least, change the admin password of the router or some deviant might log into it and change it for you so that you can no longer access its setup control panel.

Next, set up some wireless encryption. WEP is ok for a starter, but can be cracked. WPA is better, but make sure you have XP service pack 2 installed on your laptop first.

[GraceAnais]

i don't have any internet connection at all at mo...or a phone number as we don't need a landline. (round my mum's at the mo!)

thinking of going with tiscali as they can offer me a phone line 'on the cheap' as part of package.

wideboy- i take it ISP is internet service provider? it took me bout 5 minutes to work that out. stop it with the jargon!!! i've only just worked out that a 'notebook' is the same thing as a laptop!!

Thank you so so much to everyone that has contributed tonight. i have spent ages trying to work this one out and i think i'm finally there!!!! no doubt i'll be back soon with more questions for you whizz kids!! all i gotta do is pick the right laptop now!!!

[lebesset]

grace , what do you mean , your flat is setup for internet access?
and why a laptop ? if you ever intend to use it on battery DO NOT buy a celeron ! they have no speed control to optimise battery use and battery life is awful

[SpottyB84]

I agree with lebesset i new nowt about lap tops when i got this one, we had a desk top, and this has like maybe a hour or 2 batterylife if im lucky and its as nosie as a hover sometimes, so think about your processor.

[wideboy]

GraceAnais, looks as if ISP now has to mean I'm Sorry Pal.

Sorry, no more awkward words (like jargon).