laptop + internet confusion :(

mofmog
Mon, 23 Jul 2007 17:25:45 +0000

A wireless connection let’s you use the internet without having to use an ethernet cable. This is mostly useful for laptops but not so much for desktops.

I think the internet should be free, or at least included in your housing costs. Also, your internet on campus will mostly be from Berkeley- whether by wireless or ethernet. You’re not going to be paying from this beyond your tuition/housing costs. (Unless you move into your own apartment or something)

Anyways, an ethernet cable creates a direct and physical link to the campus network which is connected to the internet. If you use an ethernet cable, your computer is automatically connected to the internet (assuming you have at least XP or even 2000… with a mac, you’re probably on). What is an ethernet cable? It basically looks like an oversized phone cable.

Now a wireless router allows you to access the internet without being tethered to a cable. This is useful if you’re too lazy to get out of your bed and wanna surf the net on your bed or something. Anyways, a wireless router plugs into where your ethernet cable would’ve gone.

It’s sort of like a how a cordless phone works. You hook up the base station to the wall and after that your phone doesn’t need to be physically connected to the telephone line in order to make a phone call.

So:

ethernet cable:phone with chord::wireless:cordless phone