Hi Allen:

Do you have to pay extra to have the wireless stuff on the laptops?

You have 3 computers in your house. Are they all off of the same modem? Do you have to pay extra for any service?

I was under the impression that when one gets a laptop (that has wireless software already loaded), that you have to subscribe to a server (or subscribe to something??). Kind of like having a cell phone.

Am I incorrect. And no, we don't have a laptop, I'm just asking the question because if I ever am in the financial position to get a laptop, I have no idea how to use it, how to hook it up, or if I have to pay an extra monthly fee to use it.

See where I'm confused.

You have to speak to me like I just graduated the first grade (in computers I mean). Even though I went to IBM school all those years ago, and even though I know how to use a computer, I don't know anything about connecting laptops, wireless routers, extra fees, Wi-fi, all that stuff.

I am at a loss.
Thanks much

Melody

and I have seen some as low as $350....
You will have wireless in it already.

We have a laptop with wireless, and it connects to this desktop which has
DSL (AT&T) thru a wireless router that sits on my desk here.

The router you can get for $40 or less thru Tiger Direct or any other discount
place online.

No you don't have to buy any service with a new laptop, but they will have software on it perhaps, like AOL or something else.

You connect your wireless router to your DSL box, and there you go. You have to load the DSL software onto your new laptop. But you can use it from anywhere in your apartment. I don't know about security where you are in NY, but here, the Microsoft is adequate. Other higher densities may require a separate firewall. The security is a bigger issue, IMO than the set up. It is necessary to think that out first.

You wont have to worry about the laptop, it will be wireless ready when ever you decide to purchase. There is no other fees to pay at all, just buy the wireless router and set it up.

The router will be able to connect up to 4 computers wired, and as many as you want wireless from one internet connection. Just plug the wire from the modem to the router, then from the router to your desk top pc. The security is important! You dont want people coming along and downloading from the internet off of your internet connection. The installation is very simple and straight forward, and you should be able to set it up in a few minutes.

You will enjoy being able to connect to the net from anywhere in your house with the laptop, and also when traveling. Most motel/hotels, fast food, starbucks etc have a wireless connection for its customers.

I completely forgot that wireless routers had the cable plug access too - I had to go look at mine. I never even noticed it!

But yep, you can use the wireless router both ways - so you'll be all set when you get a laptop.

Thanks to all of you. Now I have to go and read all the posts over again, so I can understand everything you all posted.

Allen, that bug you have crawling all over your avatar gave me the heebie jeebies, I thought I had a roach on my screen. lol

We're not in a position to buy any laptops in the foreseable future. I just want to know what to do in case we get one some day.

Alan is having so much fun on the computer I rarely get a chance to use it. God, he's like a kid in a candy store. We don't download any movies, but there's so much stuff to view on the internet that he's having a ball.

I have seen sci fi shows from 30 years ago.

Hi melody

It is good to hear he is having sooo much fun. I too watch all the old TV shows LOL. Yesterday I took in all the old superman serial tv shows with george reeves, amazing how much different tv is now

Sorry about the bug , I guess im just gonna have to break out that can of RAID!

You will really enjoy the portability of a laptop, and the prices are really low right now as the technology is increasing here lately at light speed. You can get a duo core (2 processors in one) processor, and memory out the whazoo for under $500.

I was pricing out parts to build an ultimate desktop dream, and realized that I could purchase a quad core (4 processors in one), 2 gigs of memory, and all the buzzers and whistles for less than I could build one.

And Dell is selling a real nice laptop with duo core processing, a gig of memory for $499. These things were selling for $1500 only a few months ago.

http://www.dell.com/content/products...=19&l=en&s=dhs

It is a good time to upgrade those old computers

Allen:

First I have to find out what a duo core thigamajig is. I don't know half of what I should know.

But I know what I know and that's more than any of my friends know.

They won't go near a computer. Some have them in their basements and they are afraid to touch them. I told one. "are you nuts, you can put a webcam and see your grandkids on them". the response?? "What's a webcam".

See, I'm not the only dummy about computers!!!! lol

Mel