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How to Buy a Wireless Modem for a Desktop Computer

A wireless modem is a device that enables your desktop computer to access the Internet anywhere in your home or office. There are several wireless modems for desktops. It is critical to choose the right kind. Here’s how: Instructions Difficulty: Moderately Easy Steps 1 Step One Ask your Internet service provider if they will offer you the option of buying a compatible wireless modem for your desktop. It will save you time, and the compatibility with your Internet service provider can be easily verified. 2 Step Two Alternatively, buy a wireless modem after comparing prices in different stores online and offline. Usually, online vendors offer lower prices. Search for online vendors using search engines like Google or Yahoo. Browse through popular online stores such as CompUSA, BestBuy and CircuitCity. See links below. 3 Step Three Learn more about the features and prices of various desktop wireless modems by referring to online buyers’ guides. Compare the features and prices of various wireless modems. Read the reviews of the products and compare the prices of different brands. Some popular buyers’ guides are NexTag, Windows Marketplace, MySimon, and Epinions (see links, below). 4 Step Four If you're not satisfied with the deals available online, look for deals in stores. Some companies offering wireless Internet access include a wireless modem, often for free. You may, however, have to commit to a specific wireless Internet service provider for a few months. 5 Step Five Make sure that your wireless modem carries all the necessary features, such as USB and Ethernet cable connectivity, backward compatibility equipment, enhanced security, PC and Mac compatibility, depth, width, port connection and slot type. 6 Step Six There are two types of modems – external and internal. Ensure that your computer is compatible with whichever type you select. 7 Step Seven Check the type of network that your ISP can access. There are three types of networks widely used: CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), CDPD (Cellular Digital Packet Data) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). Buy a wireless modem for your desktop that is compatible with the network of your ISP. 8 Step Eight Confirm the data transfer speed of your network, ensuring its compatibility with your desktop wireless modem. For example, if you have a GPRS wireless Internet network service, ensure that your desktop wireless modem can support speeds up to 56 kbps. 9 Step Nine Choose a desktop wireless modem that gives you enough coverage. For example, if you have a GPRS wireless Internet service network that offers Internet access at international locations, you must have a wireless modem that has international coverage. 10 Step Ten Assess the security features of the desktop wireless modem. Most wireless networks are vulnerable to threats. Subsequently, look for wireless modems that provide added security features such as 64-/128-bit WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). 11 Step Eleven Select a wireless modem that offers a compatible interface with your desktop computer. The three types widely used include PCMCIA, USB and serial port. However, it is advisable to have a USB interface wireless modem because it gives you more flexibility than a PCMCIA or serial interface. A desktop computer usually has a single PCMCIA and serial port slot compared to many USB ports. Subsequently, buying a desktop wireless modem with a USB interface is ideal.