subject: Shopping For Wireless Network Cards [print this page] Don't know what to look for when searching for wireless network cards on the Net? It's not that it's difficult in picking a network card, but when they all look similar and pretty much do the same thing, how do you decide what's best? The choices are many, so we have to start by whittling down the options, otherwise we'll be going around in circles. First off, you should decide your budget when shopping for a computer network card. Obviously, since you may not know much about wireless cards, you may not know how much they cost.
This shouldn't be too big an issue however, as you'll see that you can buy wireless network cards for less than 20 dollars. Next, determine what kind of adapter you need do you have a laptop or desktop? Own a laptop? Then go for a USB card. Got a desktop machine? Then choose a PCI card.
If your laptop has a built in wireless card, you will not need to buy a USB adapter. You can check if your laptop supports wireless network connection by going to, Start and then Connect To, on your computer. Mini-cards for laptops enable you to access the Internet on your computer wherever you go.
These days, it's becoming easier to find wireless network connections on the go with the ever increasing Wi-Fi access points that are available in coffee shops and restaurants. So even if you're away from home for long periods you can still check on your emails and see what's going on in the world. In the US alone, there are literally thousands of places you can pick up a wireless signal. So when you're out and about with your laptop, turn on the wireless card and if it picks up a signal, you're ready to surf. If you card picks up several different Wi-Fi signals you can select the one with the best signal strength.
Home Internet users can also benefit from a wireless Internet connection. Installing an Internet connection at home with Ethernet cables can be a real hassle when you have more than two PCs. It also saves you from drilling holes in every room and installing cable which can be both expensive and time consuming, not to mention ugly.
With a wireless connection at home, you need not wait for the Internet to dial and you can be online in a matter of seconds. A laptop with wireless capability will be able to pick up your home signal so you can access your emails from any room in your home. Desktop PCs can use USB adapters, but you're better off with a PCI card for better performance.
Specifications can differ immensely from one PCI card to another, so decide what requirements you have before choosing a card. You may also want to take into account protection. For your protection, get a wireless card that offers advanced data encryption for safer surfing. This will also stop your neighbors from jumping in and using your Wi-Fi connection. Take these things into consideration when buying a wireless network adapter and you won't go wrong.
