# Wireless internet questions

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [February 14, 2006, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386 "2006-02-14T02:03:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Alias](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e4f/32.png) [@Alias](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alias)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2006, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386/1 "2006-02-14T02:03:07Z")

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The college I attend has recently acquired wireless internet, and all students are encouraged to use it. I’ve got a fairly old laptop, and I want to know if it’s possible for me get a wireless internet card, and what exactly I need to get started.

I have an IMB Thinkpad 600 with Windows 98.

Is there hope for me and my antique, obsolete computer?

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**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2006, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386/2 "2006-02-14T02:57:39Z")

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I think you should be Ok. I recommend this card from Linksys:

[http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L\_Product\_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1130276681921&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper](http://www.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Product_C2&childpagename=US%2FLayout&cid=1130276681921&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper)

It is compatible with Windows 98 although it may be fussier than newer Windows versions.

All you have to do is make sure you have the same slot as the card (I would bet heavily that you do) and you are good to go.

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**Author:** ![Seven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Seven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Seven)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2006, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386/3 "2006-02-14T07:22:58Z")

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Is it Windows 98 or Windows 98 SE?

You’ll have better luck with drivers for SE, but both _should_ work

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**Author:** ![Eleusis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Eleusis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eleusis)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2006, 7:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386/4 "2006-02-14T07:30:53Z")

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You are absolutely fine.

I like Newegg. Try [this](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16833173003). It’s compatible with both 802.11b and 802.11g, and it’s only $17. You can find one cheaper on froogle but Newegg rules.

Enjoy.

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**Author:** ![Alias](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a88e4f/32.png) [@Alias](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alias)\
**Post date:** [February 14, 2006, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wireless-internet-questions/344386/5 "2006-02-14T15:31:30Z")

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Thank you! I get confused with computer things sometimes, and the guys at Office Max intimidate me. 🙂