I am interested in sitting in places that utilize wi-fi technology such as
Starbucks and connect to the internet.
From what I understand, I need a pcmcia card for this to happen. I purchased
the Linksys 2.4 ghz 802.11g Wireless G Notebook
Adapter model WPC54G. My machine is a Dell Inspiron running Windows XP
Home.

I haven't yet tried to connect this card but I was looking at the quick
installation document and there are a couple of questions
that the setup will ask that I'm not quite sure how to answer:

1) I have to choose between Infrastructure and Ad Hoc mode. (I'm thinking
Infrastructure is the choice here)
2) I have to select my type of security, It looks like the choices will be
64bit WEP, 128bit WEP or WPA-PSK.
If I choose 64bitWEP, I have to supply a 10 hexidecimal passphrase. If I
choose 128bit WEP I need a 26 hexidecimal passphrase.
And, if I choose WPA-PSK I will need a 8-63 hexidecimal passphrase.

I am clueless on what I'm supposed select and how to enter these
passphrases. If someone uses their notebook to connect to public wireless
networks can you please help me out?

Thank you

"chaz" <chaz@stratos.net> wrote in message news:10rm18as7piagbb@corp.supernews.com...
Yes, infrastructure. Ad-hoc connects directly to the another computer's wireless
adapter, without going through a wireless access point.

Choose nothing for WEP, since T-Mobile hot spots in Starubcks don't use WEP but do
use WPA security. For more answers search google for "wireless network setup" and
"WAP security setup."

Also visit www.t-mobile.com/hotspot/ (T-Mobile provide wireless access in Starbucks.)
Once you sign up, T-Mobile provides oodles of help.

--

chaz wrote:

Assume ad-hoc and no security unless you have other information.

--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)

eM eL wrote:

Best bet is to see if whoever is running the hotspot has a handout.
Starbucks isn't the only outfit out there with hotspots.
--
--John
Reply to jclarke at ae tee tee global dot net
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)