Laptop and internet connection in basement?

[Kat fish]

I live in a basement, I need a computer really bad an I can affort it. However, what keeps me from buying one is that I dont know if a wirelless internet connection will work in a basement. Sorry for my ignorance but let me ask ; How can I access to the internet in a wireless way??
Im planning to get laptop.

[rongee_59]

Is there a wireless router somewhere in the house? A wireless router is a device that broadcasts signals back & forth from the modem (which is connected to the phone line or cable). If so, how far away is the router from where you will be in the basement? You'll need access to a wireless router if you want to run wirelessly.

You didn't say if you were getting a laptop or a desktop, but if you're getting a laptop, you can sign up with a cell phone provider like Verizon and get a card that plugs into the PCMCIA slot of your laptop. It works by bringing you internet access over the cell phone architecture, sort of like dial-up but via cell phone. It's slower than normal broadband and a little pricey, running about $60-$80 a month.

[Grunt]

does the basement have windows, and how are u planing on connecting to the internet ?, cable dls, dial up

[aphotic nostrum]

errr i try to avoid wireless, i personally like hardwired. but if you run out of options and there is no other way. you have to figure out the distance from your wireless router to your station. if the distance to and from is less than 200 ft you should be o.k. there are several factors that play into this though, i suggest getting a wireless card, don't use a wireless usb device, i've seen them fail too many times. use 802.11g. good luck

[Philip T]

No need to apologize .... that's why this forum exists .. to try to help people with PC related issues.

It may not work well from a basement if you are trying to access an external wireless network or one on another floor that belongs to someone else.

There are tools I can suggest to help you do this but using those would be illegal without the consent of the owners of the Internet connection (or account) you wish to access.

When people talk about wireless Internet they are usually referring to having a external line coming into there homes which is connected to a wireless router. The router then transmits the signal to a PC or notebook that has a wireless network adapter (WiFi).

There must be a wireless router nearby for you to access or you cannot have wireless Internet.

Another way is to purchase a wireless modem that enables you to use the Internet services from a specific provider, This however, is rather costly ... both the modem & the monthly fee.

I'm sorry to disappoint you but all considered the cheapest way for you to access the internet from home is to buy a used PC (like a P4 or better) & sign up with a local Interent service provider for cable or high speed dialup internet.

regards,
Philip T

[Shawn H]

If you have a phone line or cable line you can connect a broadband device in the basement. You would then connect a wireless access point to the broadband modem.

This is assuming the cable and phone lines are separated out.

[Mike M]

here's a link on ebay that you can read reviews of them by ebay members