Ask Leo!

Technology With Confidence

  • About
    • About Ask Leo!
    • Ask Leo! Patreon FAQ
    • Ask Leo! Membership FAQ
    • Free Newsletter
    • Support Ask Leo!
  • Best Articles
    • Most Important
    • Most Popular
    • Most Recent
    • All Entries (by date)
  • Ask Leo!
    • Ask
    • Best Of
    • Glossary
    • Facebook
    • Podcast
    • Contact
  • Store
    • Become a Patron!
    • Books & More
    • Shopping Cart
  • My Account
    • Login to askleo.com

Technology With Confidence

How Do I Connect My Desktop to the Nearby Wireless Internet WiFi Hotspot?

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

//
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…

Become a Patron of Ask Leo! and go ad-free!

Hardware

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, it’s 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.

  • An expansion 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 usually my first choice.
  • A USB plug-in – Wireless adapters are 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.

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

Range

WirelessThis 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 this: before you embark on trying to get your computer connected wirelessly, make sure it’ll work first. Borrow a WiFi-enabled laptop, or borrow a friend with a WiFi-enabled laptop, and see if it can connect. There’s a good chance you 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 this as an opportunity to see if different locations in your home will get a signal, and if some spots get a stronger signal than others. The laptop will be much easier to carry around for that test than your desktop would be.

Permission

After all that, if it does work, you should also get permission from the hotspot owner, since shop owners typically provide hotspots as part of their business, as a perk for their customers. But ultimately that’s a different topic I won’t get into further.

Stay Secure

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

This is a minor update to an article originally posted July 15, 2006

Related Posts

  • How do I get wireless internet? - You hear a lot about the wireless internet, but it's not something you can just connect to anywhere. It's more often something you purchase and set up.
  • Why am I getting limited connectivity at my local open wifi hotspot? - When you are connected to a wireless network, but cannot get to the internet, it's because an IP address has not been assigned to you. So how do you fix that?
  • Why might WiFi be faster than wired Ethernet? - It does sound strange that the wireless connection would be faster. We'll start by looking at the obvious... the cable connection itself.
  • Why can’t I connect to my hotel’s wireless network? - Hotels and other hotspot providers often insist that you agree to some terms of service before you can use their internet. The problem is that insistence can often interfere with the connection.
Posted: June 15, 2006 in: Wireless Networking
Shortlink: https://askleo.com/2689
TAGS: bestof, open wifi, Wifi
« Previous post: What’s the Difference Between “Plain Text” and “HTML” Email?
Next post: Where is Windows Explorer? »

About Leo

Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed. After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.

Comments

  1. Greg Bulmash

    June 16, 2006 at 5:13 pm

    Also worth noting, if the WiFi network isn’t public (i.e. it’s just a neighbor who didn’t secure it), it may be illegal for you to tap into it.

    Reply
  2. Fred B

    June 23, 2006 at 3:25 pm

    Is it possible to purchase, in addition to the Add-In Card or USB Plug-In, something that will allow one to access the internet if you don’t live a couple of houses down from a public or private WiFi hotspot? Or is it possible for cell phone providers (Verizon, T-Mobile, etc.) to offer this type of service (not free, of course!)?

    Reply
  3. Leo

    June 23, 2006 at 11:07 pm

    Options are few. You can quite probably do something using a cellular data plan. Check with your cell phone provider.

    Reply
  4. PSingh

    October 30, 2006 at 7:43 pm

    i have DSL in the next room…how do i pick up DSL signal in an adjacent room without the mess of cables? i need to know what hardware and/or software that is required for that.

    Reply
    • Zacc Oraro

      November 18, 2015 at 10:42 pm

      Hi PSingh,

      You need wifi repeaters. Check this links for this products: https://www.repeaterstore.com/pages/wifi-booster-repeater-extender-differences and http://www.devolo.com/en/Products/devolo-WiFi-Repeater/

      Reply
  5. Leo Notenboom

    November 28, 2006 at 5:15 pm

    This article would be a start: http://ask-leo.com/how_should_i_set_up_my_home_network.html

    Reply
  6. SmallBee

    January 3, 2007 at 3:11 pm

    I am in a similar situation to the original poster, with a twist. I was connected to an ISP who had installed a directional antenna on my home and an Avaya Wireless USB card (802.11b) back in 2002. Well they went out of business this year and left the equipment, but even though I can see 10+ unsecured networks in the area, I can’t seem to get data through most of them. The strange thing is friends with laptops work just fine sitting in my home on the networks my epuipment doesn’t work with. Is the Avaya 802.11b too old to work with new providers, or is there some software setting that would fix the problem?

    Reply
  7. SmallBee

    March 21, 2007 at 7:02 am

    After some effort to solve my problem posted above, I learned the following:
    Many of the unsecured networks were service providers(not public hot spots), and in order to connect to their site they needed to have your MAC address registered. The other thing of importance is that laptops put out a much stronger signal than desktops, so even though laptops connected right up, the wireless desktop adapters I bought (I tried external usb adapters and internal cards) could not get much of a signal and were unable to connect.

    Reply
    • Kazza

      December 12, 2015 at 11:51 pm

      Wow I live in London and it is not heard of of being arrested for linking up to someone’s wireless hotspot.If you don’t want anyone connecting that way you secure it.Personally myself I asked my neighbour if I pay half her internet monthly bill could I share there password.They were only to pleased to help and all I pay is £20 a month £5 a week and I have my phone laptop tablet and tv all linked up to it .The moral behind this ask is don’t ask don’t get.My neighbor was happy as it halved there bill..I just wrote 4 letters to my closest neighbours as I live in a flat and waited for a knock at my door 3 out of four offerd.But it had to be first come first serve.I actually felt bad for the other two.Well hope this works for anyone else.Please out of curiosity let me no any outcomes good luck.xx

      Reply
  8. Brock

    May 19, 2008 at 10:20 pm

    My son’s laptop picks up a wifi signal from a hotel next door. What i would like to know if i use just a linksys wrt54g router and my desk top pc would i be able to pickup the signal. I live about 20 yards away.

    Reply
  9. Leo

    May 20, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    First, I’m going to assume that you have the hotel’s
    permission. NOT having permission would potentially make
    what you are suggesting illegal.

    Short answer” no. You need to get a wireless card or other
    wireless adapter for your desktop.

    The best way to think of it is that your router “sends” the
    signal, it cannot “receive” the signal from the hotel. There
    are devices that receive, and those would be the wireless
    adapters for your PC.

    Leo

    Reply
  10. Tara

    July 25, 2008 at 12:54 pm

    Hello, I have a wireless router (Dlink) and my desktop used to be conected directly to a modem and the router was for the other laptops in my apartment. At my new place I am not connected to a modem anymore and have to connect to my landlord’s internet. Can I use this Dlink router or would I have to get a wireless adaptor? I’m not sure if these are the same things, that’s why I am asking. I noticed another post had a similar question but my friend said I should be fine with the router..although we don’t know much about this, haha. Hope you can help me.

    Your router should be fine.

    -Leo

    Reply
  11. Kay

    December 8, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    My son was able to pick up a wireless internet connection on his new lap top in my house. I have tried for years to get wireless and am told constantly by all the local providers it is not available. I then bought the ad in card adaptor to make my desktop wireless and POOF.. I am online with internet explorer at huge speed. I have no idea who’s signal I am catching, and I want to “pay” for the connection. How do I figure out where it is coming from to see if I can order it or what? I can get all of the information from the connection, meaning addresses that are like IP addresses. But it means nothing to me! Is there a place where I can find out WHO actually provides service by their internet address? I really want something other than my old dial up that gets me connected at 33bps. Thanks so much
    K

    Reply
  12. Ken

    December 30, 2008 at 10:35 am

    This for those who use others “wi-fi” hotspots. Here where I live in Florida it is totally ILLEGAL to use someone elses hot spot. I personally do not have WiFi myself, but my laptop tries to connect ( and sometimes does ) to my neighbors. Recently they arrested a number of people who were doing this. It can be traced, and at least here. It can land you in the pokey!

    Wow. I’d not heard of arrests (or jail time, for that matter) before, but I suppose it was only a matter of time. Illegal or not, depending on where you are, it’s at least unethical.

    – Leo
    31-Dec-2008
    Reply
  13. lalit

    January 11, 2009 at 1:12 am

    i have a desktop and near a wi-fi modem .
    i want connect wifi with bluetooth .
    can i do?

    No. They’re two different, unrelated technologies.

    – Leo
    11-Jan-2009
    Reply
  14. ramon

    April 16, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    I just bought a new laptop. My neighboors have a wireless network and my laptop can access it. Will I be charged any money if I connect to my neighboor’s internet network and use it?

    Only if you’re doing it without their permission, and they try some kind of legal action against you.

    – Leo
    17-Apr-2009
    Reply
    • Bobbie Cassilly

      May 6, 2017 at 12:20 pm

      I got a PIN number from my neighbors to use his Wi-Fi internet I went to the signals on my laptop and I put the 4 number pin in and it doesn’t do anything somebody please tell me how to do this and what do I need to ask her

      Reply
      • Tom

        September 28, 2018 at 5:38 pm

        I have WiFi installed on my Desktop My roommate wants to connect to my WiFi how do I do this ?

        Reply
        • Mark Jacobs (Team Leo)

          September 28, 2018 at 8:34 pm

          The WiFi is provided by your router, not your desktop. You would give them the router’s network name and the Network Security Key to log on to the network.

          Reply
  15. Jackie

    April 20, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    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
    Reply
  16. Phil Cranny

    June 1, 2009 at 12:01 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?

    Reply
  17. H. O'Neill

    June 6, 2009 at 9:40 am

    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 ??

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs (Team Leo)

      November 18, 2013 at 10:52 am

      The same things described in this article, except you already have permission in this case.

      Reply
  18. Taylor Rhea

    September 28, 2009 at 11:55 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?

    Reply
  19. derek

    October 5, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    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.

    Reply
  20. Trae

    October 12, 2009 at 6:32 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.

    Reply
  21. yasirahamed

    October 27, 2009 at 5:53 am

    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

    Reply
  22. Derrick

    October 28, 2009 at 9:51 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

    Reply
  23. Crockhamtown

    November 1, 2009 at 12:16 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

    Reply
  24. rob

    December 29, 2009 at 2:58 pm

    i have a desktop computer with windows xp. 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.

    Reply
  25. Administrator

    December 29, 2009 at 4:01 pm

    Guys check your desktop if he has a wireless adapter if it does no worry you just need to turn on the wireless adapter connection then connect to a network but if you don’t you need to buy one at local computer store (i recommend) and connect it to your desktop then turn it on and connect to a network done

    Reply
  26. Tracey

    December 30, 2009 at 3:47 pm

    I recently bought a wireless adapter for my sons desktop. i have a netgear router connected to may main computer. I connected the adapter, got a signal and it says i am connected but when i try to pull up internet explorer it says the page cannot be displayed. help pls and ty.

    Reply
  27. Mohammed Hye

    January 3, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    I bought a desktop pc with external wireless antena.This antena connect internet but slow and sometimes disconnected. How can i get it regular.

    Reply
  28. Jackie

    January 3, 2010 at 4:46 pm

    So are you saying that if I buy the Compact Wireless-G USB Adapter from Linksys, I’ll be able to access wifi from the desktop. My laptop wifi works in the bedroom so I know I get wifi there.

    You mentioned two things to connect to wifi hotspot, but I only see one thing (wireless adapter). Is there something else?

    Correct – you should be able to add a WiFi adapter to your desktop. You’ll need to configure the system properly of course (which’ll depend on your specifics). The “other thing” you need is permission – which if you own the WiFi access point you have.

    Leo
    05-Jan-2010
    Reply
  29. Kate

    January 12, 2010 at 9:47 am

    I have 2 laptops in my home which are both running off the same wireless adapter I have (I have a modem and router in one [motorola]). My brother just gave me his Dell PC (maybe 4 yrs old). How do I get this on my wireless connection like my other computers?[edited]

    Reply
  30. Naomi

    January 19, 2010 at 6:38 pm

    I purchased a linksys wireless network adapter card and installed it in my desktop. I can get the internet (public wifi) for free which is great. However, the connection is unbearably slow. How can I speed it up? My laptop connects to the same network with 4 bars and is fast enough. I have put them side by side and there is still a difference so location isn’t an issue. Please help!

    Reply
  31. Dennis S. Sheboygan, WI

    January 22, 2010 at 9:11 am

    will this adapter allow my desktop(XP) to share its active LAN with my daughters nearby laptop(VISTA), with internal wifi capabilility? More specifically, my desktop “transmitting” to my laptop.

    Reply
  32. Ankit

    January 23, 2010 at 12:22 am

    what is thw wifi range of normal wifi available in laptops…..????

    Reply
  33. Geroge

    January 25, 2010 at 7:36 am

    I have a desktop with built-in wireless. Do I need something else to connect to a hotspot

    Reply
  34. suraj

    February 4, 2010 at 6:31 am

    hello, sir i have acer laptop which have wifi connection, i m getting signals of wireless connection but i cant configure to network, can you tell me how to configure it …plz help me ..

    Reply
  35. Gary

    February 5, 2010 at 11:53 am

    How would set up a wireless without a key? adhoc?

    Reply
  36. Laurie

    February 7, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    Hello, I read the entire article but haven’t found my exact situation. I have set up a wireless network using a Linksys WRT54G-BP router. I have permission to connect to my landlord’s WIFI. What I found is that I can only be connected to one or the other – either the WIFI or my wireless network. Is it possible to connect to both? Thanks!

    Reply
  37. jon

    February 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Question about the last issue in the article… how do i secure my own information (computer)from being accessed or my information that is sent as well? I have used an open hot spot but have never had an issue as of yet (knock on wood). is there a program to protect myself from accessing the open hot spot?
    thanks

    This article: How do I stay safe in an internet cafe?

    Leo
    18-Feb-2010

    Reply
  38. chetan jethe

    February 19, 2010 at 10:21 pm

    hello, sir i have acer laptop which have wifi connection, i m getting signals of wireless connection but i cant configure to network, can you tell me how to configure it …plz help me ..

    Reply
  39. Christina

    February 23, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I have two computers. A laptop, and a Desktop. We need the desktop hooked up wireless. From our own connection. Im sick of having the cord going from one room to my own.

    Reply
  40. rishi doshi

    March 23, 2010 at 4:13 am

    Hi, I have a weird question. I want to connect the PC (which doesnt have wifi) to a wifi network. Wat i have is a nokia 5800 phone which has wifi. I wanna connect PC to 5800 using USB, and hook onto the wifi therafter. how do i go about it?

    Reply
  41. muhammad bilal

    April 25, 2010 at 2:35 am

    i have a hitachi pentium4 laptop hifi enabled and i connect nokia n81 wifi ,but not to be connected ,please help me ,

    Reply
  42. Joyce

    May 3, 2010 at 6:49 am

    Your reaction is excellent and enlightening especially to a novice like me. I

    Reply
  43. Charles Tilley

    May 6, 2010 at 11:40 am

    Yes, you can connect you desktop to a Wi-Fi connection, as my desktop has a built in adapter & internal antenna for it. In fact, I use it (through my legit wireless router that I pay for) as my main connection. But regarding connecting to a legal hotspot or a neighbor’s connection, you best ask permission, or possibly face legal action. I pay with my own money for my high speed (7mbps) connection, and no one had better slow my speed because they’re a freeloader. It’s not like when walking by a house, or your next door neighbor has an apple tree, and it hangs over into your yard, the fruit is yours for the picking. Slow down my connection w/o my permission, you better get an attorney, and fast. It’s called stealing, no matter how anyone tries to justify it. The same goes as far as wireless phones are concerned, there are federal laws that apply to these actions. Mooch off of a service that I pay for, you will pay a lot more in the end.

    Reply
  44. Jasimeen

    May 16, 2010 at 10:37 am

    I HAVE A PSP AND A LAPTOP…I USED TO CAN CONNECT TO MY NEIGHBORS WIRELESS INTERNET BUT HER NAME ISNT POPPIN UP ON THE LAPTOP..BUT WHEN I GET ON THE PSP AND USE NETWORKING CONNECTIONS SHES ON THERE..EVERYBODYS CONNECTIONS ARENT COMMING UP ANYMORE.??????CAN SUMBODY HELP ME

    Reply
  45. sikspakk

    May 16, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    Charles….it’s not stealing if the connections are open. Everyone has the option of securing their connection with a ten digit WEP or WPA security code. If you elect to not do that then you are allowing it through implied consent….no crime. If you have a key and it gets stolen or hacked then the law has been broken.

    I am not a lawyer, but I do not believe that your statement is true. That’s like saying it’s ok for people to come into your house uninvited if the door is unlocked. An open WiFi does not imply consent, IMO.

    Leo
    17-May-2010

    Reply
  46. marcus speight

    May 16, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    Maybe you need a new laptop or get closer to the neighbor

    Reply
  47. chaka zulu

    May 20, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    You said “first the easy part”… what’s the second or third part if any?.

    Reply
  48. j l frandsen

    June 3, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Charles, chill out. Making threats doesn’t make for friendly conversation.
    If you don’t have a secure wifi connection, why?
    If your unsecured wifi is leaking out all over the place, how will you know who is using it?
    I, also, am not a lawyer, but I’d be willing to bet that comparing using someone’s wifi without permission to walking uninvited into your house won’t work out for you in court.

    Just make sure you’re connection is secured. Save yourself from a lot of useless stress and useless lawyers.

    Reply
  49. Art O'Shea

    June 5, 2010 at 1:46 am

    I got a refurbished Dell laptop that was “Internet ready” for my ward, I am his payee, he is disabled. I took it to Seattle Laptop and got the max memory for it then took it home here to setup for him. I was surprised that it had no problem finding a lot of free Internet selections so I bought a Edimax wifi card for my Dell Dimension 8300 and an antenna for it. I could get Linksys on it but when I disconnected from Comcast I couldn’t connect. Any suggestions?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  50. catherine

    July 3, 2010 at 7:38 am

    thank u so much it really help me a lot your so kind. Gb!

    Reply
  51. Shashank

    August 4, 2010 at 1:40 am

    Actually i wanted an external usb wifi device,, so that i can attach the antenna to wall outside ma window, n get the connectivity inside ma room.. coz i get network outside ma room n not inside ma room.. can i get the usb cable i mean of a larger lenght for it?

    There are USB extension cables that you could use.

    Leo
    07-Aug-2010

    Reply
  52. mejo

    August 27, 2010 at 11:22 pm

    how much a usb device will cost ?

    Reply
  53. Rosebud

    October 26, 2010 at 7:58 am

    We are next to a RV park at our lake house we visit a couple of days a month and the owner is a friends saying , Hey, I don’t care who uses it so we can do it with our laptop but was wondering if we might get more than one bar reception with our new desk top computer? Do you think it would pick up a stronger signal? Thanks so much

    It’s not it being a desktop that would make a difference – it’s the quality of the wireless card you’ll get for it, as well as the quality and location of the antenna that it will use. If you can connect the antenna external to the RV somehow that could help a lot.

    Leo
    27-Oct-2010

    Reply
  54. Andrea

    February 13, 2011 at 6:16 am

    I have a wireless internet connection for my laptop already in my home. But I am getting a new desktop, How do I use the wireless connector, for my desktop? Do I have to buy a new modem? What do I have to do to connect to the internet?

    You just need to get a wireless network adapter for your desktop. That can be an expansion card you install inside, or any of the USB WiFi adapter.

    Leo
    13-Feb-2011

    Reply
  55. Andrea

    February 13, 2011 at 6:19 am

    I have internet in my house, from a service for my laptop. What new hardware do I need to connect my desktop?

    No way for me to know without knowing what you already have. Try this article: How should I set up my home network?

    Leo
    13-Feb-2011

    Reply
  56. Anna

    February 19, 2011 at 10:02 am

    We already have the wireless router. But I wanna connect it to my desktop. I’ve tried to read the instruction. And it’s no use. What should I do???

    If the article doesn’t help I’m not sure how much clearer I can make it. As outlined in it you need to add a wireless adapter to your system.

    Leo
    19-Feb-2011

    Reply
  57. ololo chukwuemeka bright

    February 26, 2011 at 3:48 am

    sir
    pls kindly help me on how to connect desktop to the internet for free.i want abroadband connection of about 400MB/sec over long distances.pls help i have spent money and i aint gat solutions.

    Reply
  58. sandesh

    February 28, 2011 at 10:13 am

    sir how can i use wi-fi in my dextop. and i m having wi-fi of broadband. but im not useing.

    Reply
  59. Tim

    March 16, 2011 at 2:45 am

    So, I did what you said: i got a usb wi fi adaptor. but after running all the activation setup steps…nothing happens. i can select a “unsecured” connection but when i go to log onto the internet, it says i explorer cant open the website(any of them). What do i try next? please help

    Reply
  60. Ahmad Shakib

    April 15, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Sir, I have my loptop with modil 5100 Dill so i have a blackberry modil 9100 i want to use the remoe controll.
    My mobile has an option that i have to establish a WiFi connection then i can use the remote controll.

    Now i want to help me how can i find and use that ?

    Thank You.

    Reply
  61. alan lemaitre

    April 22, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    are usb longrange adapters any better thanthe built in acer Nplify802.11b/g/n or a waste of money.

    Reply
  62. venktesh dr

    April 24, 2011 at 12:47 am

    hello sir , im venky & im having hp compaq nx6310, laptop & i want to know , how to connect wlan internet to laptop.

    right now i am having motoraker e6 mobil & i connected net through airtel g p r s via bluetooth.

    Reply
  63. vamshi

    June 14, 2011 at 2:48 am

    need a long range usb wifi adaptors!

    Reply
  64. imtiyaz

    July 12, 2011 at 10:17 am

    HI, I have a lenova laptop and samsung wifi enabled mobile. i want to connect to internet using my laptop through my wifi internet on mobile. How can i do that …I tried to but not able to connect..

    Reply
  65. jehu

    July 21, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    you will realise that it was very easy if you had a laptop.wy dont you get yourself one?

    anyway here is how:

    simply get a wireless network adapter for less than $10 and simply mount it on the pci slot!

    and there is that message:new hardware detected.
    Drive it and you are good to go.

    Reply
  66. Marie

    November 20, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    The links only take me to the cisco website. I don’t know what I’m looking for so from there I’m a little stumped. Could you update the links?
    Thanks!

    Done!

    Leo
    23-Nov-2011
    Reply
  67. ROBERT

    December 6, 2011 at 1:45 am

    The answers are just so good, thanks

    Reply
  68. Brad

    December 23, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    In the article you started with “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.” I get the USB plug in but I guess I’m blind and can’t find the other thing mentioned. What was the second thing? A router?

    Reply
  69. Mark Jacobs (Team Leo)

    December 24, 2011 at 3:16 am

    @Brad
    You’re right, it does look a little unclear. The second thing is being within range of the WiFi signal.

    Reply
  70. narmak

    May 24, 2012 at 7:24 am

    Good information. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  71. ucefkh

    August 13, 2012 at 9:54 pm

    hey thanks its was very helpfull 🙂

    hotspot here i am 😉

    an advise get a pci wireless card with extended antenna

    Reply
  72. Dee

    August 23, 2012 at 7:53 am

    I need to conect my computer to the internet & have wireless in the house at the same time.
    How can I have both at the same time with only one internet box fr the cable company?

    You need to set up a home network: How should I set up my home network?

    Leo
    23-Aug-2012
    Reply
  73. aniket

    October 2, 2012 at 10:59 pm

    Hey Can You TEll my THat
    i have Desktop i want to UsHEy HI I want TO ASk You that
    Can YOu
    Help ME ?
    Can u tell Can this Work for me or not and which hardwear i need to Install on my desktop to use my wired cable net i.e Pacenet i have a wired net (pacenet) in my desktop i want to share this net on my wifi enable phone so how to configure my desktop to use the pc’s net in my mobile ?
    i have Windows Xp sp 3 on desktop
    and which wifi chip i needed to install externally in my desktop so i can use it is wifi hotspot ??
    please reply as Early as Possible

    Reply
  74. lisa a

    December 4, 2012 at 7:31 am

    I have a question…I have two desktop computers, one is in my livingroom and it has the modem and a wireless router hooked up to it, for my kids ipods etc…my daughter also has a desktop in her room, I want her computer hooked up to the internet as well but don’t want any cords running across my floors…what do I need to do to her computer to have that? Thanks

    Reply
  75. connie

    December 4, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    @Lisa,
    You’ll need a wireless adaptor of some sort on your daughter’s desktop. Leo explains it just under “You can add a wireless adapter to your system” in this article.

    Reply
  76. collete

    January 3, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    I have a virgin mobile broadband mobile hotspot thst I am trying to use with my desktop it’s not connecting do I neef an adapter for the desktop ‘

    Reply
  77. Mark Jacobs

    January 4, 2013 at 1:30 am

    @Collete
    Most desktops don’t come with a wireless adapter. You can purchase a USB or built-in wireless adapter for as low as $10-$20 on NewEgg or Amazon

    Reply
  78. robert

    January 10, 2013 at 7:58 am

    I’m want to hookup desktop to recieve wifi.can you tell me if all i’ll need is a usb wireless adapter and a signal?wanting to use mobile hotspot for signal from my smartphone.thx

    Reply
  79. connie

    January 10, 2013 at 9:46 am

    @Robert,
    I think you could also just use the connector from your phone and plug straight into a USB port to get online. I can do that with my smart phone at least. Try that first. Otherwise a USB wireless adapter will do the trick.

    Reply
  80. Mark Jacobs

    November 18, 2013 at 11:00 am

    If you don’t have a laptop available to test the signal strength, you can use a smartphone or a tablet

    Reply
  81. jani

    July 13, 2014 at 11:28 am

    Thanks for helping….
    I just want to know that, with turned off computer m I able to use this wireless internet services on my cell phone through usb wireless network adapter ?? (Like wired router)

    Reply
    • Leo

      July 13, 2014 at 11:31 am

      If the USBN Wireless Network Adapter is connected to you computer, then no.

      Reply
  82. bev

    September 2, 2014 at 4:27 pm

    I have a desk top computer connected to the internet and I just purchased a I pad how do I connect the wireless router to my computer

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs

      September 2, 2014 at 11:15 pm

      You don’t. You connect the router to the internet following the instructions which came with the router. Then you connect your computer and iPad to the router either wirelessly using the router name and password on the router’s case or documents which came with the router, or you can plug the computer into the router with ethernet cables and it should simply work. It’s also a good idea to change the router’s password. Instructions for that should also come with the router.

      Reply
  83. sabour

    September 16, 2014 at 8:31 am

    Hi, I am wondering if you could help me that how could I connect my desktop to my router with out physical connection.

    Reply
    • Connie Delaney

      September 16, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Read the article you commented on again. It has the answers!

      Reply
  84. pranav

    November 7, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    I don’t wanna buy a WiFi adapter
    Cant I use my phone as a modem ???
    I’m getting satisfactory signal too …

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs

      November 8, 2014 at 1:54 am

      Many smartphones have that capability. Check the settings and see if it can.

      Reply
    • Leo

      November 8, 2014 at 9:45 am

      If you mean your mobile phone, you need to contact your mobile provider.

      Reply
  85. michelle kincy

    November 25, 2014 at 6:22 pm

    I bought a used windows xp and I have hotspot on my phone and I bought a wireless adapter but I cant figure out how to get it off dial up. I guess thats how previous owner used it..thank u in advance if u can help me

    Reply
  86. Ben Harper

    June 29, 2015 at 12:30 am

    fixin to see if it works

    Reply
  87. Ben Harper

    June 29, 2015 at 12:34 am

    Thanks for the help
    lets hope it works on my laptop

    Reply
  88. Beth Corliss

    June 29, 2015 at 12:53 pm

    Leo, I’ve just moved to a new state. In my former home, my desktop computer was DSL connected to the internet. I also had WiFi for my laptop, cell phone, etc. In my new home, I have broadband WiFi and my cell phone and laptop are happily humming along using the broadband WiFi. I now want to connect my desk top computer (uses Windows 7) to the wireless features in my new home, to minimize cords, etc. After reading your helpful responses, I think I need to install a wireless adapter USB plug-in or an expansion card…. Because the desktop wasn’t designed to function as a wireless computer. I’m not tech savvy, but that’s my understanding of the problem. Is that correct? And where do I purchase an expansion card or the wireless adapter USB? The USB would be the easiest for me to use. I’m apprehensive about a card and figuring that out, unless it slips into the front of the tower like my photo card does. Thanks so much for your excellent help!

    Reply
    • Leo

      June 29, 2015 at 4:31 pm

      The desktop doesn’t have to be :”designed” to be wireless. It just sees a network connection. That it happens to be wireless instead of wired is actually irrelevant, other than making sure the appropriate device is installed an has its drivers installed as well.

      There’s tons of options. It could be as small and simple as this: http://go.askleo.com/ama/B008IFXQFU if you’re close to the access point, or something along these lines: http://go.askleo.com/ama/B00AVSRLTO if a bigger/better antenna could help.

      Reply
  89. Rick

    August 5, 2015 at 1:11 am

    I had cricket broadband hook to my PC for the last 6 years, now we just got a ZTE Z288L Mobile Hotspot from Straight Talk. Do I need something between the PC and the Hotspot? Thanks!

    Reply
  90. Linda Gareau

    September 13, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    I live in a building that has wifly how can I get that in my room on the 13th floor. I have their permission to do so.

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs

      September 13, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      It depends on how many floors down the wireless router is located. It probably wouldn’t work if it’s much more than a couple of stories away. You can use wireless or wired extenders, but you’d have get some extra permissions for that. A wireless extender would only gain you a couple more floors of coverage.

      Reply
  91. sanjay

    April 14, 2016 at 10:28 pm

    Hi sir, I want to know if someone is using my broadband remotely without my knowledge how should i check the usage done by other from my PC or router.

    Regards
    sanjay

    Reply
  92. Animesh

    May 3, 2016 at 3:59 am

    I’ve one desktop .how can i connect with my mobile hot spot.

    Reply
    • Leo

      May 3, 2016 at 1:56 pm

      You can get a USB Wireless adapter.

      Reply
  93. manoj sahu

    May 11, 2016 at 1:31 am

    Hello sir…I am using my neighbor wifi with my phone .but I want to connect it with my PC.which type of latest device I have to use for secure network…

    Reply
    • Leo

      May 11, 2016 at 5:23 pm

      Assuming you have your neighbors permission of course: there are Wi-Fi adapters you can get for a PC. Typically a USB Wi-Fi adapter is the easiest to deal with.

      Reply
  94. Britt

    June 11, 2016 at 9:00 am

    What if I have a hot spot from my cell phone? If I buy an adapter can it connect from my cell? We just moved and are a week without I found an adapter for 10 dollars I bought my daughter a game that can be pled offline but not downloaded offline.

    Reply
    • Britt

      June 11, 2016 at 9:03 am

      I see you somewhat answered but doe brand & price make a difference when trying to connect through mobile? Will it work exactly like a tablet or lap top

      Reply
  95. R Andersnon

    September 15, 2016 at 6:16 am

    I have bought a wireless adapter but when I put it in to connect It keeps saying detecting apapter .Do I need to do more than install the adapters cd. Any heelp appreciated newbie.

    Reply
  96. Carmen Cuellar

    January 22, 2017 at 7:09 am

    I can use computer,cell and laptop in the other rooms of the house. But my room will not pick up anything. What can I use in here?

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs (Team Leo)

      January 22, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      You can use a Wireless Access Point to extend the range of a network.
      https://askleo.com/how_do_i_best_extend_my_wireless_network_for_laptop_access/

      Reply
  97. Luis Vite

    April 19, 2017 at 10:19 am

    Hi Sr. Thanks for all your help . I want to cancel the service from the internet company . I have hotspot in my cell and I want to cancel the service from the internet company . My question is: can I used my cell to get internet to my laptop ? and what do I need to do it . Thanks again for your help

    Reply
    • Mark Jacobs (Team Leo)

      April 19, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      A laptop can access the internet through a smartphone via USB cable by a process called tethering. Most smartphones also alow internet access via WiFi. Some carriers block that feature unless you pay more. You can google tethering along with your phone and carrier name to see if and how that can be accomplished.

      Reply
  98. Sam Rhodes

    October 2, 2017 at 8:04 am

    How can I use ther Wi Fi of a business aboutg 100 yards from my house? I use Windows 7

    Reply
    • Leo

      October 2, 2017 at 3:10 pm

      Step one would be to ask their permission, of course. With that then the next step depends on what kind of computer setup you have.

      Reply

Leave a reply:

Before commenting please:

  • Read the article. Comments indicating you've not read the article will be removed.
  • Comment on the article. New question? Start with search, at the top of the page. Off-topic comments will be removed.
  • No personal information. Email addresses, phone numbers and such will be removed.
  • Add to the discussion. Comments that do not — typically off-topic or content-free comments — will be removed.

All comments containing links will be moderated before publication. Anything that looks the least bit like spam will be removed.

I want comments to be valuable for everyone, including those who come later and take the time to read.

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Creative Commons License
This work by Ask Leo! is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Additional information is available at
https://askleo.com/creative-commons-license/.

  • Terms
  • Ads vs. Recommendations
  • Reviews & Affiliate Disclosure