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Newbie Questions.

  • 08-10-2012 07:01PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,783 ✭✭✭


    Okay so I got a new phone- an android. And its only really of any use if I get WiFi installed in the house. So, my question is- Is there anyway I can install a WiFi card on my laptop? Which is painfully old and doesn't have one built in. If there is a way, is it worth my money too?

    Thanks guys.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,340 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    Sounds like a USB or PCMCIA card would suit you. Depending on the phone, you may be able to 'tether' it, i.e. connect laptop to net thru the phone. Watch your data allowance !

    here are some USB ones from Irish sellers, some less than 10 euro.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,783 ✭✭✭RidleyRider


    Thanks bonzodog2, but I don't really understand how they work. Do I have to turn on the laptop and the device effectively creates a WiFi hotspot?

    I have the three dongle at the moment and its okay, it would be adequate for usuage on my phone. They have a evice called the MiFi huawei. Its basically three WiFi but I'm unaware if my laptop has WiFi. Following steps I saw online it does have a wireless connection (when the signal is available) But how would I connect to it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,340 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    Yes, tethering does create a wifi hotspot. I don't know if your phone does it though.
    As your laptop is a bit old, check you can get drivers for your version of Windows when choosing a USB wifi adapter if you go that road.
    Device Manager will show if you already have wifi in the laptop.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,783 ✭✭✭RidleyRider


    Does that mean the laptop has to be constantly on?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,340 ✭✭✭bonzodog2


    Its the phone that provides the wifi signal, the laptop connects to it as it would to a DSL wifi router, connecting through the phone's 3G signal to internet.
    Tethering will drain the phone battery too, as its powering a radio transmitter.


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