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How do I connect my desktop to the nearby wireless internet WiFi hotspot?

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Summary: Wireless internet in WiFi hotspots makes for a convenient connection. To connect to the wireless internet you need proximity and a little hardware.

I have a desktop computer that is not hooked up to the internet, nor has been. There is a WiFi hot spot down the street; since it is free I would like to be able to connect to it. What do I need to buy and do to get up and connected to it?

You need two things to connect to that local hotspot - one you can probably buy at any computer store, but the other might be harder to come by.

Let me explain...

First the easy part: you need a wireless network adapter. WiFi (802.11) adapters are pretty much standard equipment in laptops these days, but not in desktops. Since desktops aren't (typically) mobile, they assume you'll used a wired connection and thus include a wired ethernet adapter instead.

You can add a wireless adapter to your system in several ways (links take you to example components):

  • An add-in card - unlike laptops, desktops are designed with several slots for expansion cards, and wireless adapters are, indeed, available as expansion cards. In general, for a permanent installation, this is probably my first choice.

  • A USB plug-in - wireless adapters are now also available as devices you just plug into any available USB port on your system. Many are small, convenient, and quite inexpensive.

  • A wireless bridge - these devices plug into your existing ethernet connection and, effectively, transform it into a wireless connection. This is probably my least favorite approach, only because it's fairly uncommon, and I've had no direct experience with it.

"My strongest recommendation is that before you embark on trying to get your computer connected wirelessly is to make sure it'll work first."

As I said, I've linked to examples of the components that I'm talking about so you can get an idea, but there are literally thousands of alternatives. I happen to be a fan of LinkSys equipment, but again, there are many reputable manufacturers out there as well.

The bottom line is that getting your PC wireless enabled isn't that difficult.

But!

This phrase in the question concerns me: "There is a WiFi hot spot down the street...".

How far is "down the street"?

WiFi hotspots are typically fairly small. The semi-official range of WiFi is about 300 feet, but even that can be seriously impacted by the characteristics of whatever else might happen to be between your computer and the hotspot.

My strongest recommendation is that before you embark on trying to get your computer connected wirelessly is to make sure it'll work first. Borrow a WiFi enabled laptop, or borrow a friend with a WiFi enabled laptop, and see if they can connect. There's a good chance that they may not even be able to see a signal, if "down the street" is anything more than a couple of houses over. While you're at it, you might also use that as an opportunity to see if different locations in your home will get a signal, or get a stronger signal than others, since the laptop will be much easier to carry around for that test than your desktop will be.

And after all that, if it does work, I suppose you should also have permission of the hotspot owner, since they typically provide hotspots as part of their business, as a perk for their customers - which you presumably are not. But ultimately that's a different topic I won't get into further.

And a final caveat: if you're using a public WiFi hotspot that is unsecured, your internet traffic may be subject to sniffing. Make sure you're taking the appropriate steps to keep yourself safe and secure.

Related:

Article C2689 - June 15, 2006

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Recent Comments
24 Comments

I have a airlink wirless usb adapter 802.11n I still cannot get connected to wifi do I need a router or an atenna I am not trying to connect other computers I am just trying to connect to wifi. Do i need any other equipment

You probably want to look at this article: How do I get wireless internet?
- Leo
21-Apr-2009

Posted by: Jackie at April 20, 2009 8:41 PM

Hi, i was wondering if a Xbox 360 Wireless Adaptor would work instead of buying a usb port, because it does have a usb plug on it?

Posted by: Phil Cranny at June 1, 2009 12:01 PM

I want to take my laptop on vacation with me. The hotel offers free internet access. What do I need for my computer to make this work ??

Posted by: H. O'Neill at June 6, 2009 9:40 AM

that comment was for all of the people afraid to use free internet wireless service

Posted by: rachel at September 7, 2009 3:34 AM

I'll buy you 2 LATTE's if you help me out.

I have a 2-wire modem with AT&T 6 mb connection, i have a windows xp desktop connected hardwired to my modem, i have a macbook pro, connected wirelessly to the modem, however, whenever i am on, both at the same time, my internet gets disconnected, I play online games and i hate it when this happens. they have sent me (3) modems' so I know its not the modem. do you know if they might be limiting my bandwidth?

Posted by: Taylor Rhea at September 28, 2009 11:55 AM

i have a desktop computer and was wondering how do i get it to have wireless internet the same way as laptops do. i have a wireless adapter installed and still cant get internet. do i need a wifi wireless adapater or something. i tryin overall not to have to spend money on internet service.

Posted by: derek at October 5, 2009 12:11 PM

My home computer is a desktop with a Broadband Modem thru Verizon. I also have a new laptop that has Wi Fi and I want to know what I need to buy so that I can share the connection that I already have with my home computer. Can I just buy a Wirless Router? Also my home computer has Windows XP and my laptop has Windows Vista. Will these be compatible, and can I make the 2 of them share the same connection? Any help you can provide me with would be most appreciated.

Posted by: Trae at October 12, 2009 6:32 PM

my brother has a loptop he had connected to internet with modom near by room i have a desktop computer how can i connect to wireless internet

Posted by: yasirahamed at October 27, 2009 5:53 AM

My neighbors have offered to let me use there Ver..n internet service and I am paying for half the bill so it's all good. However, can they monitor or in anyway see what I am doing? Is there any possible way for them to request from Ver..n a report as to what sites I visit? If not 100% discreet please let me know.

I'd be shocked if the ISP saved or made available that information. However they may not need to contact the ISP - if they provide the physical connection (i.e. you eventually end up connecting throught their modem) then they could be watching it all, yes.
Leo
29-Oct-2009

Posted by: Derrick at October 28, 2009 9:51 AM

If you have a Wifi card installed in a desktop, won't the steel case affect its performance?

Perhaps, but most have an external antenna outside the case in the back of the machine, and some even have a connection for an antenna you can place away from the machine.
Leo
01-Nov-2009

Posted by: Crockhamtown at November 1, 2009 12:16 AM

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