wireless internet on my laptop

[foreverxyoung]

hey guys, i just bought a new inspiron 5160 laptop and i ordered SBC global dsl. I also purchased a netgear wireless router and i was wondering how can i get wireless internet ie. in my car or at my friends house without any wires attached to my laptop. Im new to laptops so i need like full proof strategies and tips and hints. Totally apreciated, thanks guys.

 

[geffin]

well, you can only get access to your router when you're in range of it (depending on whether it is a 802.11b/g router). It is a possiblity though, that you can find wireless hotspots, try looking into a hotspot finder keychain! these can be very usefull. Other than that, you will have to be near a wireless connection to use your wireless capabilities.

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

You need to find a spot with an unsecured wireless network. It's illegal though...

 

[emeraldice]

Tapping unsecured wireless networks is not illegal, i think. Tapping secured/encrypted is.
You have a bad idea of what wireless networks are. They only extend to a 50 m radius; like the size of a house. They will not reach to your friend's house; they might reach your car; only if your car's parked at your house. ^^
Finding hotspots and useing your friend's network is your best bet for using your laptop's capalities outside of your house.

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

Umm i have had some cheap routers reach 300ish meters.

And yes connecting to even an unsecured wireless router that does not belong to you (and is not public) is illegal

 

[emeraldice]

Quote: And yes connecting to even an unsecured wireless router that does not belong to you (and is not public) is illegal
My apologies, DJ-CHRIS. I've a) never tried and b) gotten sued for it.

Yes, there are access points that advertise 200+ ranges. I don't know how well they work. So, you can use you're wirless network at friends houses as long as they are only 300 meters or less away. -_-

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

I have gotten into wireless networks that are 300m away before.

 

[Regulus]

well, you can only get access to your router when you're in range of it (depending on whether it is a 802.11b/g router). It is a possiblity though, that you can find wireless hotspots, try looking into a hotspot finder keychain! these can be very usefull. Other than that, you will have to be near a wireless connection to use your wireless capabilities.

Any idea wherer I can get a hotspot finder keychain? That sounds useful.

 

[emeraldice]

....and i haven't...300 m is a long distance. That's over 1/4 of a kilometer.

 

[emeraldice]

https://www.canarywireless.com/ - $50
http://www.smithmicro.com/default.tpl?cart=11005615224986963&group=product_full&sku=WIFISEEKER - $30
http://pcworld.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=3777115 - $30