Confused - wifi and dongles - all I want to do is email!

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith

Hi All,

Could someone please explain the difference between wireless networking, dongles and wifi? I'm feeling a bit stupid but I got my pc when all you could do was run a lead to it and I've taken no notice of all the other stuff since!

I now have a wifi enabled netbook. I'd like to be able to access the internet at home pretty much daily and out and about maybe once a week or so.

Will I need to change my internet connection at home so that both my pc and netbook can use the internet? Is it difficult and does it cost more (can only use one provider - KC)?

What is the best way to get occassionalish internet access out and about and do you have to pay for it? I'm guessing free wifi is just that but what about when there isn't wifi? Is that where dongles come in? How does pluging a mobile into the netbook fit into all this?

Finally, what about security?

Thank you for reading, and hopeully someone can help before my brain turns to mush - it can't be as hard as I'm making it?

DonnyDave

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith wrote: »

Could someone please explain the difference between wireless networking, dongles and wifi? I'm feeling a bit stupid but I got my pc when all you could do was run a lead to it and I've taken no notice of all the other stuff since!

I now have a wifi enabled netbook. I'd like to be able to access the internet at home pretty much daily and out and about maybe once a week or so.

Will I need to change my internet connection at home so that both my pc and netbook can use the internet? Is it difficult and does it cost more (can only use one provider - KC)?

When at home, you have a choice. You can either connect your PC and netbook to the internet using a wire or you can go wireless for one or both.

Do you have a wireless router at home? How does your PC connect to the internet?


In answer to your first question, "Wi-Fi" is the trademark associated with wireless networks (including internet access). These are what people have in their homes and in railway stations and other "hotspot" locations.

You can get dongles that plug into your computer to work with wireless networks (receive the signal). However, your netbook (as do many laptops and netbooks) has this capability built in, so there is no need for such a device.

The other type of wireless (as opposed to wired) internet service is that provided by mobile networks (O2, 3, Orange etc), commonly termed "mobile broadband". You will probably need a dongle if you wish to access this kind of service.

These are two types of dongle I'm talking about; the latter type are often purchased from the network operator complete with connection (SIM card).

PlutoinCapricorn

You are not the only one to find all this confusing. In particular, the difference between wireless, WiFi and mobile broadband confuses many people.

Where WiFi is concerned, you need to find a hotspot (free or otherwise) or get a router for your home access. If you are outside and your laptop is with you, MacDonalds provide free WiFi. You could always give this a go just to test it. My library provides free WiFi too, and this can be useful as something to fall back on.

If you are in a good access area, mobile broadband is a good idea: unlike WiFi you do not need to be near a hotspot or router, you just need a dongle and the mobile phone network. If you are a light user and do not want to play games or download lots of music and films, then mobile broadband could be for you. You can get prepaid, ready to go dongles that you just plug in and use.

DonnyDave

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith wrote: »

Will I need to change my internet connection at home so that both my pc and netbook can use the internet? Is it difficult and does it cost more (can only use one provider - KC)?

No.

You may need to purchase another device (either wireless router or wired only router) in order to connect your netbook and PC to the broadband service.

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith

Thank you to everyone who has replied.

So, I need a wireless router for at home for my pc (which uses a telephone lead at the moment) and my netbook. Will see if the provider will send one of those. Hopefully my ancient pc will be ok with that! If not, can I set the pc to stay plugged in and to have my netbook wireless?

I guess out and about I'll mainly be on trains which offer free wifi so that's just a case of turning on the wifi on my netbook? If it isn't free I guess I have to buy it from the hotel or wherever before I use it?

When I'm not in a wifi area, I'll need a dongle which links to a mobile phone network and that's where the pre-paid/pay as you go mobile access tariffs come in?

Thank you ever so much for clearing that all up!

ckerrd

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith wrote: »

Thank you to everyone who has replied.

So, I need a wireless router for at home for my pc (which uses a telephone lead at the moment) and my netbook. Will see if the provider will send one of those. Hopefully my ancient pc will be ok with that! If not, can I set the pc to stay plugged in and to have my netbook wireless?

I guess out and about I'll mainly be on trains which offer free wifi so that's just a case of turning on the wifi on my netbook? If it isn't free I guess I have to buy it from the hotel or wherever before I use it?

When I'm not in a wifi area, I'll need a dongle which links to a mobile phone network and that's where the pre-paid/pay as you go mobile access tariffs come in?

Thank you ever so much for clearing that all up!

As does the router.

PC=>router=>telephone socket

We have our desktop PC plugged into the router so it is not wireless enabled but all other devices connect wirelessly

PlutoinCapricorn

If you just get the dongle, you can use it in your PC at home and take it out with your netbook when on the move. Or you could get them a dongle each! If you are out and about, the dongle is best as you can use it in the car etc. and even when WiFi hotspots are available.

It is said that mobile broadband will replace WiFi soon as you can use it anywhere there is a mobile phone network. However, it is like fast dialup at the moment, except in the very early mornings.

If you were going to MacD anyway, you could use their free WiFi just to save a bit.

CLAPTON

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith wrote: »

Thank you to everyone who has replied.

So, I need a wireless router for at home for my pc (which uses a telephone lead at the moment) and my netbook. Will see if the provider will send one of those. Hopefully my ancient pc will be ok with that! If not, can I set the pc to stay plugged in and to have my netbook wireless?

I guess out and about I'll mainly be on trains which offer free wifi so that's just a case of turning on the wifi on my netbook? If it isn't free I guess I have to buy it from the hotel or wherever before I use it?

When I'm not in a wifi area, I'll need a dongle which links to a mobile phone network and that's where the pre-paid/pay as you go mobile access tariffs come in?

Thank you ever so much for clearing that all up!

Just to be sure...... do you currently have broadband at home ?

DonnyDave

The_Ubiquitous_Mrs_Smith wrote: »

So, I need a wireless router for at home for my pc (which uses a telephone lead at the moment) and my netbook. Will see if the provider will send one of those. Hopefully my ancient pc will be ok with that! If not, can I set the pc to stay plugged in and to have my netbook wireless?

You need a wireless router if you wish to use either PC or netbook or both wirelessly. If your PC is kept in one place and that is near to the telephone line connection, then this could continue to be connected by a cable which plugs into a wireless router.

Depending on the actual way in which your PC connects to the internet now, this may be a different type of cable and connector. You will have to check that your PC is capable of accepting the wired connection from the router.

I gather you already have broadband (ADSL) already and that your PC connects using some sort of modem (the "black box" with a lead to the telephone line and another to the computer; maybe a separate power supply as well).

Do you know what type of modem it is and what type of connector it uses to your PC? It may help establish what you need to get to do what you want to do.

hotpot1000

check that you have the correct ports on your pc if you plan to connect by wire to the router/modem, as a friend ordered his router and there was no port to plug it into.
But if you know someone able to fit you an ethernet port that's useful.