networking computers and wireless connections

[mazzywoo]

Hellooo everyone. It's me again-she who is not technologically gifted!
We are soon getting a new computer and I am wondering if there's any way of sort of joining this and our laptop that we use at the moment so that they can share the internet connection. The laptop runs XP and the new one will have vista.
We think that the laptop (a Phillips Advent) is aleady wireless enabled as it sometimes seems to pick up a link if someone in the building is using their computer. If we do get a wireless internet connection could this be used when we go on hols to America?
Sorry this is such a long winded question (S) but we are total novices in these matters! Thanks!!

[Ethel]

You've confused me.

If you get a wireless internet router for your home, all pcs and laptops within range will be able to connect to your internet provided they are wifi enabled - either internally or by an external adapter.

Your wireless network will not reach America. :) However, your wifi enabled laptop will connect to wifi networks (hotspots) in America, where they may be free.

[mazzywoo]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I don't think the question was very clear. Just thinking about home use for the moment - we know we need a router but do the most up to date pcs usually have the necessary software/hardware built in so that all we need to network is a router or would we need to buy something else as well?

And does it matter who our ISP is?

As far as the USA thing is concerned, do hotels/motels usually have a plug-in (data port?) so that our UK configured pc will work there?

Maz

[Ethel]

I would say nearly all laptops are now wifi enabled. Desktops not necessarily so, but you can buy either an internal adapter or a usb 'dongle'. The internal is far better.

In my home, my router is next to my pc, so my pc is connected by ethernet to the router, and the router is connected to my broadband modem. A wifi adapter is unnecessary in this case.

All the laptops are wifi enabled and connect to the router wirelessly.

The only concern with your ISP is whether it is cable (Virgin Media) or anybody else.

Does your ISP provide a combined modem/router? Many do.

America has wifi hotspots in most hotels and motels- your laptop will work if it is wifi enabled. You may have to pay a fee, but usually it is free in the USA, unlike the UK.