A wireless *adapter* -- for a laptop, this could be on a card, or a USB 
device -- allows your laptop to connect to  other wireless devices.  There 
are two kinds of such connections:  "ad hoc", to other nearby computers, and 
"infrastructure", to some sort of "base station" device.

  To get to the Internet, you want to make an infrastructure connection to 
somebody else's base station that will forward your connection to the 
Internet -- I expect that more and more campgrounds and RV parks will 
include such base stations amongst their amenities.

  A wireless router is the most popular sort of home "base station" device.  
So while it's a popular kind of device, it doesn't address your particular 
needs.
  [Some router models can be made to function as wireless clients, but 
that's more than you need to deal with at this point.]

  A wireless base station will typically be configured to put out an 
intermittent broadcast of its SSID, a string which identifies the 
service/network it's on.  Typically, your laptop will give you a list of 
SSIDs it is currently hearing and allow you to pick which one to connect to. 
  You may have to enter a password or security code, either at that point, 
or when you launch your browser, to use that network.  The campground should 
be able to tell you their SSID and any login information you need in order 
to use their service.

  If there's a Panera sandwich shop in your area, they generally have free 
wireless for customers and a nice little brochure that covers the details of 
getting connected.

David Gillett


On 11 May 2007 at 19:26, Laurel Schmalz wrote:

Date sent:      	Fri, 11 May 2007 19:26:10 -0600
Send reply to:  	Personal Computer Hardware discussion List
             	<[log in to unmask]>
From:           	Laurel Schmalz <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:        	[PCBUILD] going wireless
To:             	[log in to unmask]

> I will be travelling in a 5th wheel trailer RV around the country
> (I know, lucky me!). I would like to be able to access the web on my
> laptop. Currently I do not even have a wireless card. I connect in
> campgrounds through a 56K modem. I am so confused when it comes to this
> subject. I don't know the difference between a router and a "card."
> Please help clear up all this information. What is the easiest, least
> expensive way to connect while on the road. I used to have a Mobile
> Office through Verizon set up that allowed me to connect through my cell
> phone but this is no longer available to me on my current cell phone. 
> If anyone can help me see the light through all the foggy information on
> wireless connections I know it will be you. I have a Toshiba laptop
> running Windows XP and my internet provider is currently Juno.
> [log in to unmask]
> Laurel Schmalz
> 
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