Question Hello,
Ok, please don't laugh, but I am not very savvy when it comes to understanding a computers. I DO have a desktop personal computer at home with dial up internet service. The thing is, I want to buy a new laptop computer and get wireless internet. I am trying to understand how it all works. I have read a few articles online about wifi etc, but it's technical mumbo jumbo which is confusing to me. I want the kind of wireless internet service that can connect me to the internet from just about anywhere. Including the beach. How do I know what laptops are compatible with this sort of service? Also, who do I go to in order to get wireless internet? Is WiFi the kind of service I need to ask for, or are there other alternatives? I don't understand what a "hotspot" is or why I would need a "hotspot". I would appreciate if you could explain it to me in simple terms. I would really appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Alex
Answer Ok, there are two types of wireless internet access. The first generally called wireless broadband, the second is called WiFi or 802.11 or plain wireless networking.
Wireless broadband works over cellphone networks. You need to buy a wireless broadband card and pay a monthly fee generally around $50-$60 a month. Such service is available anywhere in the carrier's coverage area and is offered by Verizon, AT&T and Sprint (I think T-Mobile also has service).
WiFi (which will be built into your laptop, all new laptops have it) is fairly shortrange wireless and you need to be near a hotspot to be able to access it. A hotspot is simply a place that is near a wireless router(generally 300-500 feet). Not everywhere has hotspots and not all hotspots are free.
