Wireless adapters are an essential tool for those who use the internet or just want to share files. The best products for notebook and desktops are USB wireless adapters, which can connect a computer with any wireless network in the area. The best USB wireless adapters are compatible with many computer systems including Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

But even a cheap USB wireless adapter will work for most computers. When you compare wireless USB adapters, you'll find that most models simply plug in and go. You can also find wireless adapters education and training from manufacturers and suppliers that offer:

1. User guides for WPA2 network adapters.

2. Utility and driver downloads for adapters.

3. Articles that teach the fundamentals of wireless networking with adapters.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn how to install drivers and utilities for the best rated wireless adapters

Drivers and utilities are the software programs that run wireless adapters on your computer. Most drivers and utilities are self-installed by the USB key. But if you happen to use a product that does not self-install, manufacturers provide driver and utility downloads, along with installation instructions.

I recommend: TP-LINK Technologies provides driver and utility downloads for its wireless adapter products, as well as user manual downloads that provide instruction on how to install drivers and other adapter applications. Cace Technologies offers utility and driver downloads, as well as installation instructions, for its AirPcap wireless adapter.

Download additional wireless adapters information from manufacturers

To learn more about a wireless adapter product, download the user manual. Most manufacturers supply online user manuals for their products, in addition to the user manual that comes with the product. This material can provide a lot of useful information, including troubleshooting instructions, platform compatibility and network options.

I recommend: Advantek Networks offers downloadable user guides for all its wireless adapter products. SMC Networks provides user manual and driver downloads for its wireless adapters and other networking products.

Read articles that provide installation instructions for wireless adapters

Because many wireless adapters are simple to install, all you may need to learn how is an article that outlines steps. These can be specific to the brand of the wireless adapter, or you can find instructions that are specific to the type of computer you will use with the wireless adapter.

I recommend: Microsoft provides instructions on how to install a network wireless adapter and also provides a tutorial on how to check to see if a computer already has a wireless adapter. Cisco offers detailed instructions for installing a LAN wireless network adapter.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you compare wireless adapters, make sure you look for the best wireless adapters that are compatible with your specific system, as well as any specific networking needs.

So your desktop or laptop model doesn't come Wi-Fi enabled? No problem! With the wide availability of small, simple USB port wi-fi connectors, any computer with a modern USB port can be wi-fi ready.

Wireless adapters come in a lot of different brands and a few different models. You can get USB "stick" models that plug into your USB port, or "cartridge" models that plug into a slot in the side of the laptop. You can also get wireless cards for desktop models that you insert into the interior.

Computer users rely on wireless adapters to:

1. Connect a desktop computer or laptop to a home wireless system.
2. Enable a roving laptop to access networks during travel.
3. Switch wireless capability between various different computers.

You can easily find wireless adapters for sale online that will fit your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Try the websites of computer manufacturers

Take a look at the range of the best USB wireless adapters offered and compare wireless USB adapters.

I recommend: Dell sells a range of NetGear products; browsing their page will give you an idea of what kind of wireless adapters are out there.

Buy a cheap USB wireless adapter

Other Internet vendors will be able to offer you cheap wireless usb adapters with their selection of off-brand wireless adapters, and because the role of these devices is so simple, many times one is as good as the other.

I recommend: TigerDirect boasts low prices and quick delivery on wireless adapter equipment. Some of their best wireless adapters are very reasonably priced.

Shop for wireless adapters as part of a comprehensive network solution

Other equipment for your network is also available online, including routers, Bluetooth products and network boosters for better signals and access. Search for equipment that fits your network needs.

I recommend: CellAmericas offers a bunch of network solutions online; browse their product pages and get savvy about hooking up wireless systems.

Compare wireless adapters

Find the best rated wireless adapters by going to a supplier of multiple wireless adapter brands.

I recommend: CompUSA offers an excellent supply of wireless adapters, and there are also product reviews from consumers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Avoid loading your network up with 'state of the art' hardware for higher speed. Experts say the speed of your Internet connection is usually limited by external factors, so if you're buying new 'N generation' hardware, you may not get returns on it. Before you buy wireless adapter upgrades, make sure you have the capability to get faster signals across your network.
• •  Evaluate using USB port models. If you're at a desk, USB sticks are fine, but too often, a wireless adapter that sticks out from the USB port gets damaged when the computer is moved around. For users on the go, a cartridge model can be a better choice.

Wireless adapters are great tools for those who want Internet access on the go. Wireless adapters work for laptops and desktop computers to provide a wireless Internet connection wherever the computer is located. Wireless adapters also come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit all types of situations at work, at home or on the road. Knowing what type of connection you need will help you decide on the best wireless adapter product to meet your needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a term used by many people to refer to a wireless Internet or network connection, or WLAN. But Wi-Fi is actually a trademark name for the Wi-Fi Alliance for products meeting IEEE standards. Not all wireless products will have the Wi-Fi certification.

I recommend: The Wi-Fi Alliance offers information on WLAN and the certification process for Wi-Fi products.

Wireless router

A wireless router is another device that gives a computer Internet access through wireless LAN connections. Routers can work with wireless and wired networks to provide Internet access to multiple computers on a single network.

I recommend: I Need 2 Know offers information on how a wireless router works and the different types of wireless routers available.

USB wireless adapters

A USB wireless adapter is a network adapter that plugs into a computer's USB port for instant network access, whether it's for connecting to the Internet or to link to other computers.

I recommend: 3Com offers an overview of features, benefits and other specifications for USB wireless adapters.

Connection speed

Connection speed is the rate at which you can connect to the Internet or a wireless network. Wireless adapters can offer a variety of connection speeds, with 54 Mbps (megabytes per second) being the industry standard.

I recommend: PC Tipsbox offers information on how to speed up wireless connections depending on the type of computer and type of wireless adapter being used.

WPA2 network

A WPA or WPA2 network is a password-protected, secured network certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance. WPA2 is the more recent version of this type of network. These were designed to keep intruders from using your network connection, otherwise known as 'piggybacking.'

I recommend: Ars Technica provides an article on securing your wireless network, which includes information on WPA and WPA2 network connections.

Wireless modem

A wireless cable, or DSL modem, is another tool used with wireless adapters. For a wireless adapter to work, a signal is sent from the modem (which is connected a cable or DSL service) to the adapter, giving a specific computer Internet access.

I recommend: Broadband Info offers an overview of wireless cable modem technology and a comparison of different wireless modem models.

Depending on whether you have a desktop or a laptop, there are several different types of wireless adapters that you can purchase. Desktops are best served with either a USB wireless adapter or an internal PCI adapter. Although most newer laptops have wireless built in, you can add wireless to older laptops or add a new wireless-N adapter to a new laptop using either a USB wireless adapter or a PC Card or ExpressCard.

Use the following resources to compare wireless adapters pricing and costs and ensure you are getting the most bang for your buck:

1. Find the best USB wireless adapters for your business needs.
2. Purchase the right internal PCI wireless adapters for your desktop.
3. Order PC Card or ExpressCard wireless adapters for your laptop.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase a cheap USB wireless adapter for your desktop or laptop

When comparing wireless network adapters, you should keep in mind the range and speed of your office network, as well as the type of wireless router you have. If you have a Wireless-N router, you should purchase Wireless-N USB adapters to take advantage of the speed benefits.

I recommend: Most Wireless-N USB adapters go for between $50 and $70. You can find Wireless-G USB adapters for between $20 and $40. Compare wireless USB adapters and find the best rated wireless adapters at Amazon or Wal-Mart Stores.

Add wireless to your desktop with internal PCI wireless adapters

If you don't want USB wireless adapters sticking out of your desktop and creating a potential hazard in your office, you can purchase internal PCI wireless adapters. These adapters have a low profile, with little more than an antenna sticking out from the back of the computer.

I recommend: You can purchase a Wireless-G PCI adapter for between $30 and $50. Wireless-N PCI adapters generally go for between $70 to $90. Compare prices and features of PCI adapters at TigerDirect or Buy.com.

Upgrade your laptop with a PC Card or ExpressCard wireless adapters

Some of your older laptops may not come with wireless capabilities, a feature that is standard in all new laptops. Also, many new laptops don't have wireless-N capabilities. If you want to upgrade your existing wireless capabilities or add new wireless capabilities to your laptop, PC Card or ExpressCard wireless adapters are a low-profile option. Older laptops have a PC Card slot, and new laptops have an ExpressCard slot. Make sure you know which your laptop has before finalizing your purchase!

I recommend: Wireless-G PC Cards and ExpressCards go for between $20 and $40. Wireless-N PC Cards and ExpressCards are slightly more expensive, between $50 and $80. Compare prices and find the best deal at Geeks.com or Provantage.