Uses of USB Wireless Adapter?

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I recently bought a laptop and I love everything about it, except for the wireless connection. It seems like the wireless adapter my computer came with is not very effective. If I am sitting right next to my router, it works fine, but I generally am not that close to my router when I use my computer. After doing some research, it seems like purchasing a USB wireless adapter may help fix my issue. Can you tell me what exactly a wireless adapter is? Do I need to make sure its compatible with my current router or does it provide internet access through the adapter regardless of whether there is a router around? Additionally, my roommates will stream netflix most days, so will a USB wireless adapter remedy the issue of netflix hogging our internet connection?? I've seen many high rated usb wireless adapters for $40-$50 which seems like a very reasonable price if it can guarantee I will always have strong internet connection.

Thanks!