Computer Bytes - No. 45 A reader sent me an email regarding a new satellite (wireless) laptop computer recently purchased. They wanted to know if they would need a dial-up line to access the Internet or could they just use wireless. If they used wireless, what accessories would they need? A big misconception is that wireless Internet access is available everywhere. Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) use and must have towers just like cell phone providers. Construction of these towers is a costly and time consuming effort. There are currently two types of WISPs - nationwide (provide service to a large number of people) and local (provide service to a specific area, town or group of people). For our reader to use a wireless laptop computer, it should first be determined if wireless Internet access is available from a provider in the user's local area. To look for a local wireless Internet service provider, check out the global directory located at the Broadbank Wireless Exchange at www.bbwexchange.com since wireless service is not available in all areas. If you plan to use your wireless laptop computer away from home or while traveling, a good place to locate 'Hot Spots' would be to check the Wi-FiHotSpotList.com. Based on your computer having Windows 98, XP or Vista; an Ethernet Card or a USB port, and having determined wireless service is available in your area, you then need to make sure the wireless service available is compatible with your computer. This means if you plan on using Verizon as your WISP, your laptop computer must be compatible with Verizon's wireless service. Regarding accessories - to use a USB port you will need a USB/Ethernet adaptor. This adaptor plugs into your computer's high speed USB port. The adaptor will make your laptop computer mobile. This adaptor can be purchased from your wireless service provider or sometimes other companies that carry computer accessories. If you purchase the adaptor from another source, make sure the adaptor is compatible with your WISP. If you are able to use a wireless Internet service and subscribe to their program, ask them for 'free' sniffer software. Sniffer software will allow you to find or 'sniff' out hot spot locations if you are away from home. This is just a brief explanation of wireless service. If you need more information, try googling 'wireless internet service'. Moncrief Web2 Home Page Moncrief Web Design Computer Bytes Index Web Design | Search Engine Optimization | Site Maintenance & Management | Request Information | About Us ~ Sample Sites Send Us an Email | Home Page Copyright 2007-2008. All rights reserved. Computer Bytes articles may not be reprinted, published, quoted, copied, or used in any manner whatsoever without the expressed written permission of David Moncrief.