Jan
Okay. Don't be mean. I've been connected to wires my whole life and now I'm going to try this wireless thing with my new laptop. Can you explain this whole set-up and concept? ***use baby words — I've been off the technological train since before webcams became smaller than suitcases.
Answer:
In short, here's what a wireless router does.
The Internet connection comes through your wall and goes into either a router (if you have multiple computers) or goes straight into your computer currently.
A router essentially takes the signal and splits it. It manages what information is being sent to each computer. Without wires, it takes your Internet signal and broadcasts it, so anyone within range can connect to it. The router receives the transmissions from your computer, then sends them on to the Internet. If you have multiple computers, it makes sure the right web page goes to the right computer.
If you get a router, I would recommend going with a Linksys or other well-known brand - ask at your local computer supply store, and they can recommend the easiest to set up. I would also recommend a router that has ports on the back so you can still go wired if you want / need to (i.e., if your wireless card malfunctions, or if you have a friend who doesn't have a wireless card who needs to use your Internet, or if you want to go "high tech" and get a print server…). It allows you much more flexibility.
Most routers are very simple to install, if you follow the step by step instructions. Some companies also have 24 hour customer support. (Yes, I've had to call Belkin at 3 am.)
Be careful - be sure to put some sort of encryption on your wireless network, or anybody driving by can use your Internet connection. A password is usually enough, and your router will come with a book that has good information on how to do this and what the different options are. Remember to write down your network name, any password you set, and the type of encryption you chose so you can use it to set up your computer to connect.
Once you plug in your router, you can configure your computer to work with the router. It's fairly simple, and your router manual should walk you through it. If not, the technical support for your router company can, if something goes wrong or you'd like step-by-step support.
You would, on most versions of Windows, start by going into the Start Menu, then to Settings, then Control Panel. Next, you'd find the icon that says "Network Connections." (Or, in XP, if you have it set to Category View, the icon is under "Network and Internet Connections," then you choose the icon from there.) In this section, you would choose your Wireless Connection and search for your network, then input how your router is set up - its password, security setting, etc.
Good luck. 
Oh - an easy solution to try if your computer loses connectivity with the router after you've got it all set up and later on down the line (i.e., you're really close to the router and your computer just won't connect, even though the router's lights indicate a signal) - you may need to restart the connection from the wall forward. Shut everything off - the modem (if you have cable or DSL), router, all computers connected. Then restart from where the connection enters your house forward - first the modem, then the router, then the computers. At each step, wait for the component to fully initialize (generally, stop blinking). Sometimes this process can trigger the router and computer to start talking to each other again, and it's the first thing most tech support will tell you to do.
Answer:
It will basically send the internet signal to your laptop without requiring the info to flow through wires. It just uses a signal. It does the same thing as a regular router without wires.
Answer:
A wireless router takes the signal from your internet connection and breaks it up into millions of tiny pieces called packets and broadcasts these packets. It works in much the same way that your TV recieves broadcast stations. Your new laptop should come with a wireless adapter. All you need to do is click connect…
Find yourself a tutorial on wireless networking from Google.
Answer:
Wireless router works like a normal router except it allows you to connect devices wireless.
The device most likely will have some sort of setup program. In that you will choose how the router will talk with the Wide Area Network aka the Internet (via your ISP), what the SSID (the name for your wireless network) is, and also how computers will receive addresses from the router.
Most devices come ready right out of the box, with default SSIDs, passwords and IP configurations. This is good and bad. It makes it easy for you get connected, but it also makes it easy for others to connect. So for the love of God, please set up your security settings on the router and record them. Change passwords.
Linksys has a fairly decent support system, and are used to walking lay people through setup, and I would imagine that the other big companies are as well. So don't be afraid to call them.
Answer:
WIreless N..?
Wireless G..?
I'd think you'd want to know about wireless 802.11g wieless routers, since there the most commonly used.
Most wireless routers are WIreless 802.11g…
They simply just help you stay connected to the internet, via Desktop or Laptop "Notebook" - "Wirelessly"
IDK, but 802.11g is very common, …
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