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Plug in (USB?) thing for using internet wirelessly from my laptop

thevicster
thevicster Posts: 1,334 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
Hi,

Can anyone tell me what the thing is I need to use? I already have a wireless router (orange livebox - my oh uses it from his already wireless enabled laptop) but I'm a bit confused as to what I need to plug into my computer to make it wireless. I've had a look at this, but don't know whether I'm on the right lines!:confused:

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/6144865/Wireless-USB-Network-LAN-Adapter-54Mbps-802-11g-WiFi/Product.html

tia! :T
I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul, I want you to notice when I'm not around[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]

Comments

  • Marty_J
    Marty_J Posts: 6,594 Forumite
    Yep, that's the sort of thing you're looking for.
  • tbw
    tbw Posts: 5,137 Forumite
    Its called a 'dongle' - I thought my IT guy was having a laugh but apparently that is the right name.
    ELITE 5:2
    # 42
    11st2lbs down to 9st2lbs - another 5lbs gone due to alcohol abuse (head down toilet syndrome)
  • macman
    macman Posts: 53,129 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    tbw wrote: »
    Its called a 'dongle' - I thought my IT guy was having a laugh but apparently that is the right name.

    It can be referred to as a dongle, but that term is usually reserved for a mobile broadband device rather than a wi-fi device (i.e. a wireless USB adapter).
    No free lunch, and no free laptop ;)
  • Marty_J
    Marty_J Posts: 6,594 Forumite
    macman wrote: »
    It can be referred to as a dongle, but that term is usually reserved for a mobile broadband device rather than a wi-fi device (i.e. a wireless USB adapter).

    The word "dongle" refers to the device's form factor (i.e. its size and shape), not its function.
  • WhatFrickingUsernameIsnt
    WhatFrickingUsernameIsnt Posts: 38 Forumite
    Technically a dongle is a small hardware device which connected to a port and was used to protect specialised or expensive software applications. It acted as a kind of "key" and if it was not present the software would refuse to function.

    However the term has been degraded slightly since they are uncommon and look similar to newer devices like USB flash drives, WiFi and Blutooth adapters.

    My dad used to design kitchens for a housing company and the software he used required a dongle.

    What you need to connect to a wireless router is a USB WiFi adapter which also may be described as a 802.11b or the faster 802.11g adapter. The item you linked to is what you need. =)
  • thevicster
    thevicster Posts: 1,334 Forumite
    Many thanks for all your kind replies, I was surprised that it would be so cheap to get one!

    Thanks again,

    Vikki
    I want a perfect body, I want a perfect soul, I want you to notice when I'm not around[/SIZE][/FONT][/B]
This discussion has been closed.
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