172691976 d6651b1dfb m How do Wireless Networks work? and how much do they cost?
Image by hockeyshooter

Question by Unkown: How do Wireless Networks work? and how much do they cost?
I have a desktop with one internet connection, and now I have a labtop. So I need to buy a wireless connection kit. What is the average price of a good One.. also I want a good brand. Is there anything extra I need to buy?

Best answer:

Answer by mh500
You are going to spend more than $ 100 bucks if you start from scratch…. But wireless networks are really easy, assuming you have windows xp or later.

Do this… Goto Wal-mart (or wherever) and by a Linksys wireless router, and a linksys wireless adapter for each computer to be on your network.

This is a good router: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WRT54G-Wireless-G-Router/dp/B00007KDVI

And adapters: http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-WUSB54G-Wireless-G-USB-Adapter/dp/B00009X6PH

If you use the USB version (above) you will save yourself a major headache. But… Go buy this stuff. Plug in your router, turn it on. Then, go to each pc with windows xp and install the wireless adapter driver (normally you will insert the cd FIRST, before you plugin the USB adapter!!!) and then plug in the USB adapter.

Windows will configure the network for you at this point….. If you follow the instructions on the box, you will probably be able to get it set up in less than an hour. Plus, you will save hundreds by not having a technician install it. By the way, you can also save a little more by plugging 1 computer (“hard wired”) straight into the USB router, and only buy 1 usb wireless adapter (this will link 2 computers).

Good luck

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!