WARNING: Computer dummy question - wifi card for a laptop

[frosty]

Here's the lowdown. I have a Dell Inspiron 8500 with all the gizmos and doodads, which I purchased almost two years ago. I'm sure it's outdated by now, but I don't care. The computer had more power than I really needed at time of purchase. Anyhow, it has a PC card slot. I'm assuming this is where you put in a wifi card. Just some silly questions:

1. I understand a wifi card will give me Internet access, granted that there is a signal nearby. Does having a wifi card mean I have Internet access regardless if I have a sbscription or not?

2. I'm seeing USB wifi. Are they better than a wifi card?

3. What say you about cheap (around $30) wifi cards? I know they will be slower, but I'm more concerned with security than speed.

4. Recommendations?

Thanks.

[Wodnek]

Buy a card for $60. That will get you a G type card. Buy a name brand, Link Sys, Dlink or netgear. If you can find a signal you can get free internet if there is an unsecured hub near you.

[diametricalbenz]

1. You'll get internet access if there is somoene who has an unencrypted router which means you'll have to fish for someone careless. Essentially you can steal internet if you try. The easiest way is to get DSL or Cable with a WIFi router and you can run that all you want. Or go to coffee shops etc.

2. A 32Bit PCMCIA Wifi Card is better than a USB card becuase it's a little lower in profile and you won't snap it off accidentally. It varies though as some of the USB units have more features since it can afford to be thicker than a triscuit.

3. Any card is good. Your concern is security. Make sure you have a good firewall up since people can hack the wireless card and have access to your machine when your card is operating.

4. Better to get a name brand one which are 54Mbps such as D-Link, Linksys, Netgear, etc so that the software will get updated years from now. Others just buy and pray it works beyond the store return policy date!

G is fine but N is coming out and it has near ethernet 10/100 speeds. Like the otherguy said get aq good one Linksys is mt favorite but I have had great luck and support with Belkin.