Curse

tuperwho · Apr 23, 2006, 09:32 PM // 21:32

Hi everyone,

I built my computer last summer, but as I'm new to the whole hardware scene, I had a lot of help and supervision while doing so. With summer bringing new circumstances, I am trying to look into options for internet.

Location #1: current apartment - verison DSL with wireless router already set up
Location #2: home - bellsouth DSL with wireless router already set up
Location #3: summer job at Valdosta State Univ - campus internet (ethernet) and wireless

My desktop is currently fed off of the hard-cable DSL at my apartment. Ideally, I could set it up to recognize the wireless signals already present at all 3 of these locations, though. While I can also simply go wired for the apartment and home locations, I will only have access to wireless at #3 (thus, if I can only make one work, I would like it to be this one).

My understanding is that I should be able to easily and cheaply succeed in all 3 locations above. Since the wireless routers and signals are already there, all I need to do is buy the card that will allow my PC to recognize it, right? Thus, for like $20-$40 bucks or so, I'm set. Is this an accurate set of statements? Will I need to look at different hardware for DSL than for campus ethernet?

Also, if this is indeed true, I believe there are 2 types of devices. The first is an actual card that I would connect to my Mobo. The second is a plug and play USB interface. Can anyone provide opinions on functionality and convenience of these two types? Since both are around the same price ranges, the easier to setup USB one seems like a good option to me. This could also be removed and used on my laptop (which has built in wireless, but it's very finicky), right? Will there be setup or interference issues in adding wireless to either my desktop (no wirless) or my laptop (already has unreliable wireless)?

If anyone can recommend brand names, or even specific products, I'd be very appreciative. Please let me know if you need more info on my PC, or if this did not make any sense.

Thanks in advance,
Tuperwho

omiee · Apr 24, 2006, 04:28 PM // 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuperwho

Hi everyone,

I built my computer last summer, but as I'm new to the whole hardware scene, I had a lot of help and supervision while doing so. With summer bringing new circumstances, I am trying to look into options for internet.

Location #1: current apartment - verison DSL with wireless router already set up
Location #2: home - bellsouth DSL with wireless router already set up
Location #3: summer job at Valdosta State Univ - campus internet (ethernet) and wireless

My desktop is currently fed off of the hard-cable DSL at my apartment. Ideally, I could set it up to recognize the wireless signals already present at all 3 of these locations, though. While I can also simply go wired for the apartment and home locations, I will only have access to wireless at #3 (thus, if I can only make one work, I would like it to be this one).

My understanding is that I should be able to easily and cheaply succeed in all 3 locations above. Since the wireless routers and signals are already there, all I need to do is buy the card that will allow my PC to recognize it, right? Thus, for like $20-$40 bucks or so, I'm set. Is this an accurate set of statements? Will I need to look at different hardware for DSL than for campus ethernet?

Also, if this is indeed true, I believe there are 2 types of devices. The first is an actual card that I would connect to my Mobo. The second is a plug and play USB interface. Can anyone provide opinions on functionality and convenience of these two types? Since both are around the same price ranges, the easier to setup USB one seems like a good option to me. This could also be removed and used on my laptop (which has built in wireless, but it's very finicky), right? Will there be setup or interference issues in adding wireless to either my desktop (no wirless) or my laptop (already has unreliable wireless)?

If anyone can recommend brand names, or even specific products, I'd be very appreciative. Please let me know if you need more info on my PC, or if this did not make any sense.

Thanks in advance,
Tuperwho

I am using a Linksys USB (Model WUSB54G) with my desktop and have yet to experience any lag (have been playing my E/R character upto Lvl 15 now).
Highly Recommended.

Zaxan Razor · Apr 24, 2006, 04:52 PM // 16:52

Nononono..stay clear of wireless if at all possible, it is soooo unreliable.

We had our computers on a wireless network, and by night time, when all the lights were on and doors were closed in the house, i had no signal, at all, and couldn't do anything on the internet/network.

Unless you have a large open studio, or you can't fit/afford the cabling, please do not go wireless.

Wrath Of Dragons · Apr 24, 2006, 04:54 PM // 16:54

the plug-in usb device i use is ~30 bucks. it is linksys, and works great. it is slightly more ovbious then a wireless card, but i can easily change betwen computers. also, this wireless doohickey picks up diferent signals and lets you choose which ones, and choose which ones you use/save profiles. very useful for switching places.

edit: very strong signal, through 1 wall about 20 feet away.

holydeadpenguins · Apr 24, 2006, 11:51 PM // 23:51

If they're all using 802.11b or g that's fine.

tuperwho · Apr 25, 2006, 12:23 AM // 00:23

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16833124183

Here's what I'm looking at. That product should cover my needs, right?

holydeadpenguins · Apr 25, 2006, 12:26 AM // 00:26

That's a bit excessive, since it can find networks without being plugged in. But it's always cool to go wardriving. You never know where you might find an open wireless network. If you think that's cool, and are willing to pay that much go ahead (dont do anything illegal).