PCI WiFi Card
Most any 802.11b or 802.11g PCI card will work to get
connected. Installation requires opening up your computer
(desktop PC) and inserting the card into one of the
available slots. The card will come with an antenna that
fits onto the card and protrudes out from the back of your
computer (where all the connectors are located). This is not
always the best setup for WiFi because the antenna is
partially blocked by the computer case itself. Remember that
WiFi signals do not go through metal. Also, the antenna on
the PCI card is limited to the same location as the
computer. If your computer is not in an ideal location for
receiving WiFi, then you're stuck with bad signal until you
move your computer to a better location.
USB WiFi Adapters
A better solution for getting better WiFi is to get a USB
WiFi adapter. Installation is easy; just install the
software and plug it into the USB port on the back of your
computer. I don't recommend using the USB ports on the front
of your computer as they have limited power output in some
cases. This is because the are designed for low power
devices like your keyboard and mouse.
Some USB WiFi adapters (like
this one ) have an extra 15' of cable so that you can
put it in a better location for receiving WiFi (like a
window). Your WiFi signal strength will be stronger or
"faster" if you can eliminate obstructions such as walls,
furniture, metal shelves, etc by placing your antenna in a
better location. Another great thing about USB WiFi adapters
is that they can be use with laptops to get more WiFi
reception then the built-in one.
Connecting to a WiFi Hotspot
Once the WiFi card or adapter is installed correctly, you
can try to connect to the hotspot. Using the supplied
software program that came with your WiFi card or adapter,
you can "sniff" the air waves for nearby WiFi hotspots. The
results will be displayed and you can choose to connect to
any non-password protected site of your choice. Once
connected, you will have WiFi internet. If the WiFi hotspot
requires a password then you will not be able to use it,
unless you can find the owners of the hotspot and request
their password. In this case it will be best to persuade
them with a hot apple pie or an agreement to pay for half of
their bill, because they won't give it away easily.