Job Discussion Forums

[Luvqtpie]

Hey ladies and gents again!

Ok.. so the question now, does anyone know what your laptop should have in order for it to function properly with internet and all? Suggestions?? Ideas??? I have friends there, where they can just sit somewhere that has WiFi or whatever it is, and not have to input any numbers etc for a connection. Sorry, I'm not a computerwiz, so I don't know much about programs, etc. Also, if you could tell me in layman's terms, that would be great.. The simpler the better!

Cheers,

Luvqtpie

[Guy Courchesne]

You'll only need to bring a network cable with you to connect to broadband...there's no differnece. Power in Chile is 220 volts/50 hertz, so an adaptor is necessary if you are from North America. You can pick em up there.

[Luvqtpie]

Thanks Guy!

So there's nothing special I need to install into my laptop?

[Guy Courchesne]

Nope...only whatever software you need there if you contract a broadband service. The only difference is language. The technology is the same.

[stilloutthere]

Most laptops will operate on either voltage. Check your manual. If you are buying a new computer, you want one with a built-in Wi-Fi card. This will let you connect to wireless networks that are sometimes set up in cafes or coffeeshops. In the US, for instance, you get free internet at any Panadera coffee/sandwich shop. If the computer does not have wi-fi, you should by a wi-fi card, that will fit into a slot at the side of your laptop. Of course you will want a cable to connect where that is necessary (like at home, maybe) and all the cables for recharging or running the computer.

If you are going to be lugging it around to get free internet, weight is a consideration. I just went for the cheapest thing that met my basic requirements and I now wish I'd gove for a lighter-weight model for a few more bucks.

There are web sites that will tell you where free connections are available. I just tried googling, and jwire.com had a list of malls. I also got a post from here, which said the best places were McDonalds and the Metro. Starbucks also provides free wi-fi connection. Google 'free wi-fi Santiago Chile'.

[Luvqtpie]

Thanks Stillouttathere and Guy!

I have a laptop already, and finished upgrading with what I need (ie. XP, word, etc). I have an ethernet card.... is that sufficient, since I don't have a built in WI-Fi. I got the laptop for free from my uncle, so I figured it would. I tried using the internet at my sister's who has a router, but it said that I needed the WEP key and all. She couldn't find it! Will I need the WEP key each time i got to somewhere different? How do I get it without having to find out from the owner and all... (i.e. sitting at a cafe, etc)? Is the ethernet card (I have a microsoft - installation cd and D-Link - but no installation cd) thr same as Wi-Fi. I never have to deal with this here at home, so I'm totally lost everywhere else!