What do I need to set up a home wireless network?

I apologize because my knowledge here is very limited. I have a work laptop and a home desktop that was purchased 2 years ago. I know it's about $70 to purchase a linksys router. What else will I need? Probably a network card for my desktop I'm guessing. What are the other expenses that go into this? Is there a monthly charge? Like I said, I have no idea what I'm doing and where to start!

Public Comments

1. You will need the Wireless Router (Linksys is a good brand, btw), a Wireless Network Card for your Desktop (ask Best Buy or other to install if you don't know how), and possibly a Wireless PCMCIA Card for your Laptop if you want to access the Internet from it wirelessly. Assuming you already have some Internet line to your house, running a wireless router will incur you no additional charges (except paying for the router and addon cards, of course. The router will probably have a well-documented instruction manual to help set it up. Also, make sure it is a secure network, so nobody steals free Internet from you.
2. i was in the same boat as you a few months ago. I have DSL with a DSL modem, and all I needed for a wireless network was a Linksys Router. If your Desktop has an Ethernet card, then you don't need an adapter. You'll only need a wireless adapter if you want the Desktop far from the router. But if you have an Ethernet card, and plan on having the router next to the Desktop, you just need a USB cable. Havng a wireless router will enable you to take your laptop wireless anywhere in your house (within 400 feet I think). sometimes you will have obstructions that give you a low signal....it's a chance you take. good luck.
3. The router, the network card and a wireless receiver for the laptop (if it doesn't have one already). I use a Linksys USB receiver, since I have an older laptop. The only charges are what you are already paying for internet service. The internet provider isn't involved in your wireless network, so no additional fees should be charged.
4. I will try and answer this as best as I can... the assumption is that you are in the US... You'll need... 1. An internet connection (preferably broadband, e.g. Yahoo! DSL, TimeWarnerCable's RoadRunner, etc - which what I have...) Your montly charge can range anything from 29.99 to 49.99, depending on your internet provider. My opinion on the expense issue is this if you do not have a broadband connection your wireless network won't do much for you. 2. A router (LinkSys will do fine -- most people vouch by LinkSys, I have a LinkSys, but I use -and prefer- my Microsoft Broadband Wireless Router) 3. Your desktop will most likely be wired to the router and mostly won't need anything extra to be purchased. 4. Your laptop? -- now that depends-- depending on how old (or new) it is you "MAY" have to purchase a wireless card. If your notebook is anything less than, say 2 to 3 yrs old, then you probably have a wireless card inbuilt. (you can check by right clicking on "My Computer", select Manage, look for Device Manager in the window that pops up, expand the "Network Adapters" setting (by clicking on the plus sign). The description should be a good indicator on whether or not you have an inbuilt wireless card. If not, you can always call up the service# of your laptop manufacturer and they'll atleast let you know if you need a card (and or anything else)... IF you do need one, see if you can get hold a USB based wireless card (even Target stocks them!) Good Luck! (Do check out the Microsoft link!)