I am shamefully ignorant on this topic.
I have a 7 year old laptop using dial up for internet and am looking to get a new laptop/netbook with wireless capabilities.
What hardware do I need at home to get connected with wireless?
TIA!!!!

You need a broadband connection (DSL, cable, etc...) and a wireless router.

Always search fatwallet first...

This may sound like a complicated (and possibly expensive) task when you read through some of the links. But to be honest with you, the best thing to do is to seek out someone you know (or ask someone you know if s/he knows anyone) that has done this before, ask for their help in setting it up, and pay them with a nice meal and movie. You really don't need to spend a lot of money on networking hardware (or the new laptop) to accomplish what you want.

The wireless at home and a few hotspots would work for me

You will be hard pressed to find a laptop anywhere that doesn't have integrated wireless built in. Your only additional requirement should be a wireless router, which you can find very cheap. Feel free to post back if you have any difficulties setting it up.

sueyw said:drodge said:You will be hard pressed to find a laptop anywhere that doesn't have integrated wireless built in. Your only additional requirement should be a wireless router, which you can find very cheap. Feel free to post back if you have any difficulties setting it up.

So this is where I have a question---if I get a wireless router do I still need DSL or cable set up?Yes, two different things (although they work in conjunction). The DSL/Cable is how you get broadband service. The router is how you connect to it in your home.

You need the first item if you want high-speed internet access instead of the dial-up, you don't necessarily need the wireless router. You could have the laptop plugged in directly to the broadband in your house, you would just be stuck with the laptop in one location, the wireless router would allow you to get the broadband anywhere in the house or yard. Wireless routers are so cheap that most people opt to put one in (even if they have a desktop PC), just for the ocassional need and flexibility, although there are more security issues with a wireless router as opposed to a hardwired system.

The only way to connect wirelessly at home without this stuff is to steal access from a neighbor that might have a wireless router that isn't secure (or if you live above/next-door-to a Starbucks or something).

GregMal said:There are DSL providers out there that set you up with EVERYTHING!!!
I signed up with Frontier DSL last summer. They came with a DSL wireless
router and set everything up. All I needed was the password......Good point that hasn't been mentioned. This doesn't have to come from two places; here in FL, AT&T has a 2Wire combo DSL modem/wireless router you get. It's not the greatest router in the world, but it's simple. They send it to you with a CD, you plug it in, follow the instructions, and you're online.

Check out Broadbandreports.com to see what services are available in your area. If you have DSL at your address, then companies like DSL extreme can probably get you the same service as the phone company at a lower price.