| So you've got broadband. Great! After a | | | | into each one of your computers, either |
| while, though, many people find that | | | | by opening them up and putting it inside |
| they've got so used to having broadband | | | | or by plugging it in using a cable (such |
| on one computer that they want to be | | | | as USB) or a port (like laptops' |
| able to use it from any other ones they | | | | PCMCIA). |
| own, too - including their laptop, and | | | | When you fit these cards and turn your |
| computers that are nowhere near the | | | | computer (and the router) on, Windows |
| broadband line. Traditionally, the | | | | should pop up a box asking you which |
| solution to this has been to run | | | | wireless network you want to connect to. |
| expensive network cables through your | | | | Your router should create a network |
| house, making holes in your walls and | | | | automatically, generally naming it after |
| restricting the movement of your | | | | its manufacturer ('netgear' or |
| computers. Recently, however, another | | | | 'linksys', for example). All you need to |
| option has become available: wireless | | | | do is choose this network, and you're on |
| broadband. | | | | the Internet. |
| Wireless broadband works by using | | | | Wireless broadband access is usually no |
| short-range radio waves to create a | | | | slower than plugging the modem in |
| small area where your computers can be | | | | directly, unless you have very cheap |
| networked without wires - most wireless | | | | wireless equipment and a very fast |
| networks are no bigger than a house, | | | | Internet connection. It also gives you |
| although larger ones are possible. | | | | the added advantage that your computers |
| This is how it works. First, the | | | | will be networked together wirelessly, |
| broadband Internet connection is plugged | | | | too - so you can easily make your |
| into a wireless router - basically, a | | | | folders shared and access them from any |
| small, cheap computer that does nothing | | | | computer in your house using 'My Network |
| except acting as the hub of your | | | | Places'. |
| network. You then fit wireless cards | | | | |