Laptop internet My father gave me an old laptop of his and I only want to use it for the internet. I was told I need to buy some sort of card or something so I can get wireless internet. What do I need to buy or is it not that easy?

It's somewhat easy, somewhat complicated. Buying the wireless card is easy - you can buy one at any major electronics or computer store. What you need is a PCMCIA Wireless (802.11G) adapter. Most stores will have several models, any of them will be sufficient for surfing the internet. If you're not sure what features you want, just buy the cheapest one.

Here's the complicated part. You need to have an account with an internet service provider (such as Comcast, or Roadrunner, your local phone or cable company). You will also need a wireless router or wireless access point, which you will then connect to your cablemodem or DSL modem (however the internet service provider serves you the internet access). They will help you with the setup and installation.

If you only want to use it away from home, you can usually get a good signal in most major cities around businesses like coffee shops and things like Kinko's - although some businesses will require you to pay to use this service.

Wireless internet access assumes there is a wireless access point (WAP) nearby (usually less than 100 feet away for a good signal). Sometimes you can access your neighbors' wireless access points, but they are usually (and should be) secured against unknown access, or require a key. If you ask nicely they might let you use them.

Good luck, hope this helps!