Computer people...

[cndlou]

I am in need of a pc card (I think that is what it is called) for my laptop... I am needing to be able to access the internet while I am away from home... I have looked into getting one with my cell phone company...but.... Is that my only option???

[Pastor Bill]

Depends on what you mean by "away from home"

Most hotels and many restaurants and cafes have wireless internet access. This is all I use when I am out of town, BUT if you want access anywhere anytime, then going with the service through your cell phone company is probably best, but remember it's like your cell phone, you'll pay whether you use it or not, and how well it works depends on reception (how many "bars" you get).

[Billy n NC]

I agree with Pastor Bill,

What do you mean away from Home.

Wifi is available in a lot of places now. Hotels, Resturants, shopping etc.

If wifi is all you are needing then you either need :

A: USB wireless stick. I purchased 3 of them a few weeks ago.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0274768179

Or

B: PCMCIA Card (Card Slot)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Linksys-WPC54GX4-SR ... 7C294%3A50

C: a USB Cellphone adapter. connects to wireless networking. As Pastor Bill said. depends on the Bars/Signal Strength.

[Tim Elston]

Yes to Bill and Billy, and all that is assuming that you don't already have wireless built-in on your system. If it's a newer laptop it probably does. If it's an older laptop it might not. If you have built-in wireless, then you don't need to buy any hardware. You just need to be somewhere where you can connect to a wireless signal and know how to connect to it. But your question probably means that you know that you don't have built-in wireless, although some people don't know that they have it.

[cndlou]

I do have wireless...and I do use it in places like hotels, etc... but I am needing something that I can use at my friends home while visiting (which I do about twice a month sometime more)... She doesn't have any internet access at her home... The reason I need it is... I am taking a College Algebra class and much of my homework and test studying is done on the computer.... I have internet in my home...and really don't want to have to get into a 2 year agreement with the cellphone company (but I will if I have to) because I really just need it until around the 1st of May....

[RamboPreacher]

I do have wireless...and I do use it in places like hotels, etc... but I am needing something that I can use at my friends home while visiting (which I do about twice a month sometime more)... She doesn't have any internet access at her home... The reason I need it is... I am taking a College Algebra class and much of my homework and test studying is done on the computer.... I have internet in my home...and really don't want to have to get into a 2 year agreement with the cellphone company (but I will if I have to) because I really just need it until around the 1st of May....

the cellphone PC card or USB dongle is what you need, unfortunately. however, it may be used as a replacement to your home internet, depending on many variables. so that you are not doubling up your internet payments.

another option is to see if there are friends or neighbors at your friends house that are close that have wireless and that after asking permission (it's stealing, otherwise) and perhaps attaining their security - you could use theirs - again, if there is other wireless available there. I know that in my house, I get signals from 6 different wireless access points from other homes! (I had to help some of them get theirs working so that they wouldn't conflict.)

[Pastor Bill]

Or just find a cafe or restaurant with wireless near your friends home, and head over there for coffee and homework time.

If it's really only a couple times a month for the next few months that you need it, I'd hate to have to sign a 2 year contract and have that extra bill for such a short need.

One other possibility (although I'm sure you don't want to hear this one) is to just purchase dialup access for your friend's home, it's much cheaper, and while it would be slow, you'd only be using it on those few weekends, and there generally isn't a contract required.

I would probably even consider purchasing high-speed access for your friend before I'd sign that extra contract tying you in for 2 years of payments when you don't need it that long, and the price would probably be similar.

[dolfan]

I'd go to the nearest WiFi spot and just download, if possible, the lessons -- or if it is one of those things where you have to complete the thing live and submit right then, just stay put until you're done.

Our convenience store has WiFi. It's good for the truckdrivers and others who come through. I've had to run off a few people who just hang out for hours, who charge up their computers on our power without asking, and who like to sit and smoke and surf for hours (yes, our town permits it, and our business doesn't forbid it ---- smokers are most of our best customers) without actually buying anything. One night we had a guy I affectionately call "Charles Manson Gates", because he looked like Charles Manson but had Bill Gates glasses and was glued to his laptop (charging his computer, smoking cigarettes, not buying anything). I went into the office and quietly disconnected the router, thinking he'd just leave. He didn't. Finally, I just reconnected and told him to go outside, he's stinking up the place and using our electricity, and he's got enough juice that he can use our network inside his car. He'd been there for 5 hours. That's just way too long, and it distracts our cashiers who need to be watching for drive-offs and shoplifters and cleaning, etc.

That has nothing to do with your question, does it?

[RamboPreacher]

I'd go to the nearest WiFi spot and just download, if possible, the lessons -- ...

yup... heheehee

I have taken many classes that are actually available as (authentication required) podcasts!

[cndlou]

Like I said usually I do just go to one of those spots but a lot of the time I am sitting with her disabled brother and mother (who is now deceased)so she can get out...and sometimes I am stranded there the whole weekend sitting.... Thanks for all the input........

[Billy n NC]

Like I said usually I do just go to one of those spots but a lot of the time I am sitting with her disabled brother and mother (who is now deceased)so she can get out...and sometimes I am stranded there the whole weekend sitting.... Thanks for all the input........

Here is one more suggestion..

I have Road Runner. As part of the deal I can use a good ol Modem and telephone line. Most all laptops have a modem built in.
Contact your ISP provider and ask about remote dial up service. It comes
with my road runner account. I have used it quite a bit thru the years especially if I do not ask about wifi before checking into a hotel. LOL.

There again trying to stay away from a Cotract..

Not sure where you are located but here in NC we have an isp service called Clear wire.

http://www.clearwire.com/store/service_areas.php

My son uses it. and I have used it at church (where we do not have any Internet service)
I believe that they have a month to month plan.

There may be a similar company in our area if Clearwire does not.

And last but not least.

Bellsouth/AT&T offers a $14.95 DSL link.


And then there is Netzero.. pure dialup.