subject: Tips for Purchasing a Wi-Fi Card for Your Computer [print this page] Tips for Purchasing a Wi-Fi Card for Your Computer
A network interface card (NIC) is a device that allows a computer to be connected to a network. When connected to a network, the computer can exchange files and printers with other computers, as well as browse a shared internet connection. If you wish to make use of a wireless network, you will need a device that is typically referred to as a Wi-Fi card. You may have heard about wireless hotspots, and by making use of a Wi-Fi card you will be able to connect to one. A private hotspot is usually a wireless network at a home, whereas a public hotspot is found at places like restaurants. You will be able to connect to both once you have purchased a Wi-Fi card.
By adding Wi-Fi functionality to your computer, you are also giving it the ability to communicate with other portable devices such as PDA's and Tablet PC's. Adding Wi-Fi functionality is simple, and will require you to make use of a Wi-Fi adapter card. If you have a laptop computer, you may first want to check if it has an internal Wi-Fi adapter installed. Many modern notebook computers have pre-integrated wireless hardware, saving you the hassle of purchasing an external device. To check for a wireless adapter you can take a look in the Windows Device Manager or simply contact your dealer or manufacturer. Desktop computers do not usually include any wireless hardware, and it may be necessary to purchase and install an internal wireless adapter or connect an external one.
Internal Wi-Fi adapters typically connect via a PCI slot. This requires you to open up the side panel of your computer system in order to install it, and will not work with laptops. This task should usually be performed by a computer technician, or somebody who has technical knowledge about computers. The method is cumbersome, and thankfully there is a much easier method of adding wireless functionality to any PC. This involves purchasing a USB Wi-Fi adapter. This device can be found online on websites like Amazon and EBay usually at cheaper prices than your local computer store. You will simply need to attach the device to any available USB 2.0 outlet on your computer.
When purchasing a Wi-Fi card, you will also need to consider the wireless standards of the other devices you wish to connect to. The IEEE 802.11 wireless committee developed a set of WLAN standards over the years, known as the 802.11 family. Different standards have varying data rates and encoding methods. The most popular is 802.11g and is likely to be the standard you will be making use of. If you see that the device you wish to purchase makes use of the 802.11g standard, chances are it will work with your other hardware.
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