Pro wireless

ianrob

I have just bought a Dell Inspiron 9300 Laptop (£250 off!)
It has Pro- Wireless pre-installed and I can get a good signal. Not sure where it comes from? (I live in Bristol)
However, I have no idea where to go from here!
How do I get on Internet using Wireless facility?
Do I need to run the "make a connection" wizzard on Internet Explorer?
Any online help available to others like me?
Do I need a router?
I have an internal modem but understand that I need an ASDL modem.
Can anyone recommend a good wireless ISP?
Is it possible NOT to sign up to an ISP, but just use wireless?
Thanks

Chippy_Minton

It sounds like you are within range of someone's wireless router and you can 'share' their internet connection if they haven't enabled any security on it. Therefore you don't need a router or a ADSL modem or an ISP.

You might need to run the internet connection wizard, but try this first.

Go into Start - Connect To - Show All connections. That opens up Network Connections (you can also get there via Control Panel).

What is the status of your Wireless Network Connection?

Right-click it and select View Available Wireless Networks. What wireless networks are displayed and what does it say for each network?

Try clicking Connect. Does it connect to the select network?

djohn2002uk

Chippy_Minton wrote:

It sounds like you are within range of someone's wireless router and you can 'share' their internet connection if they haven't enabled any security on it. Therefore you don't need a router or a ADSL modem or an ISP.

Not the kind of sugestion I would expect to see on here apart from the fact that it could well be illegal.

Get yourself a combined Router/modem/firewall and get signed up with an ISP for broadband. Plusnet are as good as any. http://www.plus.net/products/offer.html Ask if they will supply a wireless router instead of the normal ADSL modem, you might have to pay extra but could well be cheaper that buying one seperately as they do supply an ADSL modem free.

meclive

Chippy_Minton wrote:

It sounds like you are within range of someone's wireless router and you can 'share' their internet connection if they haven't enabled any security on it. Therefore you don't need a router or a ADSL modem or an ISP.

You might need to run the internet connection wizard, but try this first.

Go into Start - Connect To - Show All connections. That opens up Network Connections (you can also get there via Control Panel).

What is the status of your Wireless Network Connection?

Right-click it and select View Available Wireless Networks. What wireless networks are displayed and what does it say for each network?

Try clicking Connect. Does it connect to the select network?

LOL i guess this worked for ianrob as he sent you a thanks, lets just hope the person with the "open" router hasn't done this on purpose to easily gain access to computers that try to connect :rolleyes:

Rex_Mundi

It sounds like you are within range of someone's wireless router and you can 'share' their internet connection if they haven't enabled any security on it. Therefore you don't need a router or a ADSL modem or an ISP.

This would be classed as theft of their bandwidth. It is illegal, and you could end up in trouble with the police and in court if they catch you on their network. One man was recently taken to court for this offence. He was fined £500 and given 12 months conditional discharge. He was charged with dishonestly obtaining a communications service.

Sort out your own broadband contract, and buy yourself a wireless modem/router. Make sure you follow the instructions for setting it up properly with all the relevent security. If you can see someone elses network from your home. Then when you set your own network up, chances are that they will see your network. A few security measures will be enough to stop them being able to use your connection.

ianrob

Hey - I did not follow suggestion by Chippy_Minton.

The thanks was just in respect of being polite!

I have ordered modem & set up a/c.

May need some help with the security bit tho!

The reason I asked is the city that I live in is supposed to have a "public" wifi service - I thought that was the signal I was picking up. However, connection said may not be suitable for Internet connection?

Does anyone know of a web site which deals with basic wifi info?

Thanks to all!

BigAl94

Have a browse around this site http://www.jiwire.com/wi-fi-security-home-networks-1.htm