bought a laptop, what do i need to get wireless internet. do i need anything besides a usb network card. att?
Product Features
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor TK-57* with 64-bit platform, HyperTransport™ and AMD PowerNow!™ technologies and Enhanced Virus Protection**
2GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM for multitasking power, expandable to 4GB
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD-R DL or DVD+R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM
AMD dual-core technology enables you to work or play with multiple programs without impacting performance; AMD64 technology provides simultaneous support for 32-bit and 64-bit computing; 256KB + 256KB L2 cache memory for efficient processing
14.1" WXGA TFT-LCD widescreen display with CrystalBrite technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
160GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
ATI RADEON X1250 graphics with up to 896MB HyperMemory; Acer 3DSonic stereo speakers with high-definition audio support; S-video TV-out
5-in-1 media card reader supports Secure Digital, MultiMediaCard, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO and xD-Picture Card
IEEE 1394 (FireWire) interface and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
Built-in Acer InviLink wireless LAN (802.11b/g); Ethernet LAN with RJ-45 connector; V.92 high-speed modem
Weighs 5.4 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin for easy portability; lithium-ion battery
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition operating system with Service Pack 1 (SP1) preinstalled; software package included with Acer GridVista, CyberLink PowerDVD and more; 60-day trial version of Microsoft Office 2007 also included
Learn more about Windows Vista
AMD, AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD PowerNow!, HyperTransport and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
*This model number indicates relative software performance among this AMD processor family.
**AMD’s Enhanced Virus Protection provides additional protection against buffer overflow viruses. AMD and its partners strongly recommend you continue to use third-party anti-virus software as part of your total security solution.
casual user, email and browsing!!!! not very computer literate. modem? wifi? air card? ACER EXTENSA 4420-5963
Tagged with: advanced micro devices • advanced micro devices inc • ata hard drive • cd rw drive • dual core processor • dual core technology • dvd r dl media • high speed modem • home premium edition • l2 cache memory • lithium ion battery • logo amd • micro devices inc • microsoft windows vista home premium edition • preinstalled software • relative software • serial ata hard drive • simultaneous support • software performance • xd picture card
Filed under: Wireless Computing
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Well before anything, do you at least high speed internet access (cable or dsl) currently in your home or apartment? As long as you’re not plugging in an ordinary phone cable into your computer(s), then you definitely have high speed internet access. So if you do have high speed internet, keep reading.
Ok now for making the laptop wireless ONLY within your home. The laptop you posted already comes with a wireless card built in which means it can pick up wireless signals if one is present. So basically all you need to do at this point is create a wireless signal in your home. This is done by purchasing a wireless router. When you go shop for a router, most of them will have different letters on them such a G, G+, N, N1, Draft N, etc…. these letters signify the speed and range of the wireless signal that can be provided by the router. If the computer you’re planning to use will be less than 150 feet away from the router, a router that has G written on it is fine and is usually less costly. A G+ or G mimo would be even better, but thats completely up to you. If the computer is going to be more than 150 feet away from the router, you may want to consider getting a wireless router which uses N, N1/N1 MIMO, or Draft-N.
Once you purchase the router you will need to connect it to your existing cable/dsl modem. Instructions for this generally come with the router and are also easy to find using Google as well. It’s a very easy setup though don’t sweat it
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Now if you’re looking to make your laptop wireless outside of your home/apartment (meaning you want to be completely mobile and have internet access almost anywhere), you would need to purchase an aircard through a cell phone provider such as Sprint, AT&T, Verizon, etc… Aircards pretty much allow you to get internet access anywhere you can get service with a cell phone. I use mine when I travel on the bus. Aircards, like cell phones, do carry a monthly fee however and a 2 year activation. The monthly fee which gives you a good amount of web surfing is usually $59.99/mo. These usually simply plug in to one of the USB ports on your laptop and you just open up a program that comes with the aircard to connect to the provider’s network (i.e. if it’s a sprint aircard, then the program connects to sprints network to give you internet access).
This may be kind of long, but I hope this helps. I wasn’t sure if you were asking about wireless just within your home or anywhere which is why I gave you info on both scenarios!
it has built in wireless adapter. You need a wireless router to connect to your broadband modem
I guess I don’t understand what you are asking. I see you have a Acer wireless LAN. The only other thing you would have to do is decide what internet provider you want. Then you will need a modem, and a router that is wireless, you should be all set after that.
You need a source of high speed internet and a wireless router. You already have a wireless LAN built in to receive and send to the router. Just remember to 1) have good virus/spyware protection. I like AVG. You can find it at http://www.download.com 2) To secure your wireless network (follow directions on the disc that comes with the router). It’s not hard. Just a pain in the (insert expletive of choice here)