Gateway Parts

How do I make my Gateway laptop wireless?

I just got a Gateway laptop. What do I need to do to make it so it can pick up wireless in places that offer it (such as my school, etc.) Do I need to insert something? About how much does it cost? I have absolutely no idea how to go about this- Thanks!

Public Comments

1. If its brand new it should have a wirless card built in, failing that look down the sides of it and see if it has horizontal slots. If it does you need one of these little doofers http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3476849/Edimax-EW-7108PCG-Wireless-G-54Mbps-PCMCIA-PC-Card-Adapter/Product.html Just install it and plug it in and it should tell you wirless networks within range.
2. If its a new computer it may have built in wireless. If not, you need to buy a wireless adapter from some place like best buy. Enable your wireless card (start, control panel, network and internet connections, network connections, you should see a wireless device, right click, and make sure its enabled) You also need a wireless access point (a wireless router) You should get an icon in the bottom right hand corner that looks like a computer screen, you can double click to get options, and select your wireless access point..
3. most brand new laptops have wireless. ask the store where you bought it & ask if it has one. if it doesn't. you can get a usb wireless hub. that's about it.
4. There are essentially two ways to go about this, first get yourself an aircard from a wireless carrier such as ATT or Verizon or a simular company and subscribe to their services or another way is to purchase a router and a wireless card that you can access the internet wirelessly in your house and various "Hot Spots" like libraries, cafes, coffee shops, and the like. Depending on what kind you get it will cost you around 90 to 100 dollars for the router and card you will need to insert into the side of your laptop, or depending on what your wireless provider plan you may need to pay a fee or get the card for free provided you sign up for a certain length of time and honor your contractual obligations.