Connect Laptop to Internet?

• by Dennis Faas on 20031021 @ 10:04PM EST | google it | send to friends
• Filed under Hardware | (related terms: laptop, modem, connection, pcmcia, connect)

Gazette Reader Vicky F. writes:

" Hello, and good day to you! I just want to know how can I connect to the Internet using a laptop with a built-in modem? Do I still need an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or can I just hook up my laptop to the cable outlet? I am a newbie on this stuff, and I will really appreciate it if you could give me some insight. "

My response:

The built-in modem you are referring to is for dial-up (I.E.: phone line) Internet access, which is very slow compared to a cable modem or DSL connection. Should you decide to use dial-up Internet, all that is required is a phone cord (to connect the laptop to a phone jack) and Internet access from an Internet Service Provider.

RE: High Speed Internet Access and a Laptop

To connect the laptop using high speed Internet, an Ethernet connection is needed to connect the cable / DSL modem to your laptop (in addition to Internet access from an ISP).

If your laptop is fairly new, it should have a network connection already; if not, you will need a USB Ethernet adaptor or PCMCIA network card which connects to the cable / DSL modem. The USB connector is usually located at the back of the laptop, where a PCMCIA slot is typically located on the side.

In all, a typical laptop + high speed Internet connection might look something like this: [laptop] -> [Ethernet connection] -> [cable modem / DSL] -> [high speed outlet] -> [ISP] -> [Internet]

Side note: USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. PCMCIA is an acronym which stands for "Personal Computer Memory Card International Association ... [The credit-card style adapters are commonly used in] notebook computers. [The PCMCIA standard] has three card types: Type I cards can be up to 3.3 mm thick and are generally used for RAM and ROM expansion cards; Type II cards can be as thick as 5.5 mm and typically house modems and fax modems; Type III cards can be as thick as 10.5 mm and are mostly used for hard disks. PCMCIA support is a major component of Windows 95's Plug and Play architecture, which automatically recognizes when PCMCIA devices are added and removed." (Source: goldenram.com)

RE: Sharing High Speed Internet (broadband) with Desktop PCs and a Laptop

If you already have High Speed Internet and more than once PC, you can use a Router with a built in Switch to share your Internet access. I personally use (and recommend) the LinkSys BEFSR41 Router / Switch combo -- it was very simple to set up. You can pick up a LinkSys Router at just about any major electronics / computer outlet (Circuit City, Future Shop, etc).

Free eBook: Windows... On Speed. This 33 page guide will explain how to store your data to reduce disk fragmentation, how to properly remove programs to avoid registry junk, which system maintenance tools you should use to maintain a top notch performance, how to protect your system from malware attacks, and how to physically clean your machine to avoid hardware damage and failure. There's also a troubleshooting section for PCs already affected by deteriorating performance, and how to resolve it. Click here to download this eBook now! Note: this eBook is free, but registration is required; after that, you can select more ebooks and videos for download without registering again. If you have questions / problems with the registration form, please read this.