Do you find yourself baffled when online trying to shop for pcmcia wireless network cards? The problem is that if you're not familiar with tech jargon, you won't know the difference from one network card from another. Because of the huge selection of cards out there, it's a good idea to begin to go through a process of elimination to find the right card for you. First off, you should decide your budget when shopping for a computer network card. Of course, if you don't know how much they cost to start with, you can't really set a budget.
This shouldn't be too big an issue however, as you'll see that you can buy pcmcia wireless network cards for less than 20 dollars. You should opt for the appropriate adapter depending on the type of computer you have. Own a laptop? Then go for a USB card. Got a desktop machine? Then choose a PCI card.
Most new laptops have a wireless receiver built in, so verify this before spending your cash needlessly. You can check if your laptop supports wireless network connection by going to, Start and then Connect To, on your computer. Getting a wireless mini-card will give you more freedom with your laptop, so that you can connect wirelessly on the go.
These days, it's becoming easier to find wireless network connections on the go with the ever increasing Wi-Fi access points that are available in coffee shops and restaurants. This is perfect for those who can live without their Internet or spend considerable lengths of time on business trips. For those traveling abroad, there are literally millions of free Wi-Fi spots for the traveler who wants to stay in touch with family and friends. Simply switch on your wireless network card and let it search for a wireless Internet signal. In most cases it will find multiple wireless signals and display the strength of the signals available.
Even if you don't need portability at home you can still take advantage of a wireless network. For example, if you have several computers in the house and don't want to fuss with wires all over the place, then a wireless connection would be more practical. It also saves you from drilling holes in every room and installing cable which can be both expensive and time consuming, not to mention ugly.
Compared to a dial up connection, a wireless network can get you online in mere seconds and not clog up the phone lines. A laptop with wireless capability will be able to pick up your home signal so you can access your emails from any room in your home. Desktop PCs can use USB adapters, but you're better off with a PCI card for better performance.
Specifications can differ immensely from one PCI card to another, so decide what requirements you have before choosing a card. An important specification to consider is data security and ease of installation. A pcmcia wireless network card with advanced encryption will help protect your computer data and keep your network secure. This will also stop your neighbors from jumping in and using your Wi-Fi connection. Take these things into consideration when buying a pcmcia wireless network card and you won't go wrong.
