how do i set up wireless internet on my laptop if i have regular dial up ? can some one help me ?

technically you cant but unofficially you can, it will cost you 25 dollars at radio shack for 2 modules, 1 module gets the main telephone line plugged in, and the other module can be plugged to your laptop or desktop, it works fine, afterall anything from 40kbps to 56kbps is the same. i have the same outfit at home, i call it the poormans wifi, the coolest part is i have the module 1 plugged in the basement and the laptop i can use on the 3rd floor.its an rca brand its called phone line extender, it comes in a clear plastic casing with 2 modules and telephone wires, dont listen to the radio shack sales person, because he will tell you it cant work, yet it dones....do remeber this is for dial up only..hope this helped you, i paid $60 2 years ago. as a matter of fact they still sell it, but its cheaper now..

There's a device you can purchase called a, Wiflyer, and it will turn your dial up into wireless. :) It works pretty good, we had some problems in the beginging though.

A wireless or WiFi network provides all the functions of a typical wired network, but also provides for roaming. Since the computer connects to the network by radio signals rather than through cables, a person can move from place to place within the network, for example from the office to a conference room, and remain on the network the entire time.

Learn more about wireless network security and other wireless tips by visiting the HP Wireless Network Center .

There are three popular types of wireless network connections:

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An Access Point is a station that transmits and receives network information. An access point connects users to other users within the network and also can serve as the point of interconnection between a wireless network and a fixed wire network. Access points are generally used in large public or commercial networks that provide service for multiple users.

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An Ad-Hoc wireless network is a peer to peer configuration generally between two computers. Ad-Hoc networks are usually used for a short period of time for the purpose of sharing or transferring files.

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A Wireless Router is a gateway between an Internet connection or fixed wire network and a wireless network. Most home wireless networks or small business wireless networks use the wireless router to connect users to each other and the Internet.

Solution

Perform one or more of the following methods to connect to a wireless local area network.

Method 1: Preparing your notebook

Before you can connect to a WiFi network, your notebook must have a wireless network adapter. Most notebooks will require a PCMCIA wireless network adapter to be inserted and installed in the PCMCIA slot. Other notebooks will have the wireless adapter built-in to the notebook itself. Notebooks with built-in wireless adapters usually have a wireless on/off button located on the front or side of the notebook.

NOTE: The following picture will be located on or near the wireless on/off button:

Figure 1: HP wireless symbol

If you are installing a PCMCIA wireless network adapter, follow the instructions provided with the card to install the correct drivers and software.

Method 2: Connecting to the WiFi network

With your wireless network adapter installed, your notebook is ready to connect to any access point, wireless router or ad-hoc network. Use the following steps to setup the network connection:

1.

In Microsoft Windows XP click Start then Control Panel then Network and Internet Connections.

In Windows ME or 2000 click Start then Settings then Control Panel

2.

Double-click Network Connections.

3.

Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon and select Properties (see Figure 2). If this icon is not present, the wireless adapter is not connected or is not turned on.

Figure 2: Wireless Network Connection icon

4.

Click the Wireless Networks tab.

5.

On the Wireless Networks tab, each network available within range is listed under Available networks. Click the network that you are connecting to and click Configure.

Figure 3: Wireless Network tab and Available networks

If there are no networks listed under Available networks then you are out of range of the wireless router or access point. For help in troubleshooting your wireless router or access point read HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario Notebook PCs - Troubleshooting a Wireless Network .

6.

On the Association tab the Network Name (SSID) and wireless encryption (WEP) settings can be configured.

Wireless networks have varying degrees of security. Some wireless networks do not require encryption and the settings on this tab will be automatically setup for you. If this describes your network, click OK and continue to Step 8 .

Figure 4: Wireless encryption settings

If the wireless network that you are connecting to uses standard encrypted communication, check the Data encryption (WEP enabled) option, and then uncheck the option for The key is provided for me automatically.

7.

Complete the wireless encryption configuration by typing the Network key into Network key: and Confirm network key: text boxes. Then select the correct number in the Key index (advanced) box. See your network administrator or your wireless router software for the required network key and key index.

Click OK to return to the Wireless Network Connection Properties.

8.

If the settings you have configured are correct, the network name will be listed in the preferred networks list. Click OK and close your Control Panel. Your notebook should now be connected to the wireless network.

Figure 5: Network Connection icon

You may have to restart your notebook for some changes to take effect.

Method 3: Changes Required to Support WPA

WPA requires software changes to the following:

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Wireless access points

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Wireless network adapters

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Wireless client programs

NOTE: The new Encryption Standard Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is not supported under the current Windows XP operating system prior to service pack 2 (SP2). Please follow the instructions in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 815485 “Overview of the WPA Wireless Security Update in Windows XP” to obtain WPA functionality.

Method 4: Roaming to another network

When you bring your laptop computer into another wireless network area, Windows attempts to connect to that network. Upon success, you are automatically connected to the network. If Windows does not recognize the new network, refer to the preceding instructions to manually install the wireless network.