laptop internet access

[dajerrywop]

I have recently purchased a Dell insperon 6000 with built in internet wireless. I am basically ignorant as to the concept of wireless internet reception when pertaining to a laptop.I i would greatly appreciate some step by step instructions on the set up and reception of internet access.I have roadrunner on my home pc.I have also heard that you can receive internet access from a signal near a library or at a college and was wondering how that too works.and will my laptop pick up the signal from my roadrunner on my home pc.

[mjc]

First off...does your Roadrunner account provide you with a router/modem/combo device/whatever or do you have to provide your own?

If they provide a router it is probably a basic model that doesn't include wireless capabilities. Which means that you will either need to connect the laptop to it with a wire or add the ability to it by either replacing the router with a wireless capable model or adding an access point to it.

If your ISP provides the router, they may have the option to trade up to a wireless capable model...need to check with them.

As for the rest...yes, there are many 'hot spots' where you can join to an exisiting wireless network...most airports, some McDonalds and other fast-food joints, and so on...

Joining one can be very easy to hard...depending on how secure you want to be. The least secure is also the easiest...

[dajerrywop]

I still am somewhat confused as to the concept of wireless for my laptop.A few questions:
1)say i get that router through roadrunner.if i go to my college library or near a hot spot as you call it, how do i get access through that site if my roadrunner router is at home.A typical day for me would be to take my laptop to classes at college then bring it home and use it.
2)how does that built internet card in my laptop work?
3)other than the router that you spoke of,do i need to purchase anything else to equip my laptop to receive internet access?

[classicsoftware]

In the task bar to the left of the clock there are small icons. Place your mouse over each one, one of them will show you the Windows wireless connection manager.