This topic has once again been raised in the gerneral, so I will start this thread, and hope those of better knowledge will ad to it
Wireless connections are for a number of purposes, but basically allow wireless (no cables) to connect a computer to one or many others.
In the majority of cases, this is done via a router or access point, which is another box, whose job it is to pass the information onto the computer that requested it. It also has an ability to provide security for the network, so only those computers "registered with it" are the only ones able to use it.
Quite a number of homes have a wireless network, to connect their computers together AND connect to one internet connection.
Some of these home networks are not secured, meaning they have no security to prevent others (passing computers) from connecting. Once connected these external computers can use the facilities of the network, mostly your internet connection.
There are a number of security options, most commonly WEP and WAP. These are setup when setting up the router (follow instructions)
So whats that got to do with mobile internet - simply, if you watch out for unsecured connections, then you may be able to use them to get the internet. Also Maca's has an "unsecured" network, so you can connect via theirs. Some Caravan Parks now offer internet access, but they secure theirs and you pay for the security code or access.
Most modern computers come with a wireless card built in, but some older ones require one to be inserted to have it. The different windows versions have different means of using the wireless, so you will need to sort it yourself or ask here
It should also be added for balance that some ISP's, typically Telstra offer a wireless connection, via a dongal inserted in the computer. While this is wireless, it is the same as your mobile phone, and costs a fortune
Hope this is a start
twobob said
11:32 AM Mar 26, 2009
Just another quick note here
On the wireless BB, dongal (same as your mobile phone). Just realise that Telstra and Bigpond, are not the same (crazy but true)
I believe Bigpond is a plan, and Telstra is PAYG. I recently purchased the Telstra prepaid dongal - $150 and put $20 on it. I noted that it cost me $1.80 to check my emails ONCE!! and the useage limit is very small. The signal ability was low, same as the average mobile phone.
Does anyone know about bluetoothing the computer to my top of the range rural mobile phone, so I can use its signal ability. I believe it is possible to use the wireless connection of the computer, using the format "bluetooth", to connect to my mobile, and thus uses it better signal and then have a data allocation to use the internet through it.
Rolly said
06:56 PM Mar 26, 2009
Twobob, the only thing I've read about is a data pack for your NextG mobile that seems to perform at least as well as a wireless internet connection. No personal experience in this regard, but it might be worth an enquiry.
twobob said
08:15 PM Mar 26, 2009
Yep Rolly, you can get a data pack for Next G. Same as having internet on your mobile phone.
What I want is to use my computer, rather than the small screen and keyboard of the mobile phone.
Also it would remove one more item ie the dongal and provide me a better signal. I have been told it is possible and used, but I have never come across someone doing it.
Rolly said
12:23 AM Mar 27, 2009
I seem to remember a discussion on another forum where the mobile phone was used as a modem for the lap top computer. I'll have a gander tomorrow and post back to you.
embkb said
11:14 AM Apr 12, 2009
G'day all - my first Post. Yep, pretty simple to use most Telstra Mobiles as a Computer Modem. Just install the CD that came with the phone onto the Computer, ring Telstra on the 125111 number and ask for a Browsing Pack if you're on a monthly account or a Browse Plus Pack if you're Prepaid. Connect the phone to the Computer via the data Cable and use the installed program from the CD to Connect to the Net. For those who hit the backblocks the GME AE915 antenna connected to the phone via a Patch Lead improves reception by heaps. Here's the Links to Browsing & Browse Plus Packs. The beauty of these are that they are month by month - not contract and you can vary the plan from one month to the next or cancel it if you wish: http://telstra.com.au/mobile/nextg/browsing_packs.html
g'day Michael and welcome to you, I had a look at that and it seems a pretty good way to go, thanks for that
embkb said
10:35 AM Apr 13, 2009
No worries Dave.
Twobob, with regards to using Bluetooth rather than Data cable with the Computer, you will generally (depending on Phone brand) find that the software CD that comes with the Phone will have a connecton option (Cable or Bluetooth) when you install it on the Computer and providing you have Bluetooth enabled on the settings in the Phone (in either the Settings or Multimedia or Connectivity or elsewhere depending on Phone brand) then that takes care of the Phone side. On the Computer side you need either ensure Bluetooth is activated if the Computer has Bluetooth built in, or buy a Bluetooth Dongle and install it if not - my choice is Targus, but they're all OK and it's probably best to set up/activate the Computer Bluetooth before the Phone. Once it's all set up then to get them to talk to each other is relatively easy. In the software menu of either the Phone or the Computer there will be a heading which reads something like 'Search for other Devices in range of this ??(Phone or Computer depending on which you're using). Enabling this will start the search and when the Phone/Computer is found then you'll be asked by each for a Pin No. for acceptance. Of course this will be the same No. for each. Most people just use '0000' but some Devices DO have specific Pin Nos. which will be referred to in the Manual of that Device.
Michael.
twobob said
08:34 PM Apr 13, 2009
Micheal, your tops
I looked at the bigpond site, and confirmed the ability there. In fact i have it already with the Telstra dongal. Could have saved myself a few $, buying the dongal. The dongle is very limited in signal.
My puter has bluetooth, and the phone has also. I just never got around to the fumble, required, to work it out.
With your info, it should be easy. Thanks again - keep posting
Basil Faulty said
10:30 AM Apr 15, 2009
Nephew has just bought a new laptop and is using the "3" USB dongel $30 for 6GB/month which sounds reasonable. "3" rent space via the NextG network so your net should theroretically be browsable where ever there is Next G coverage. Still wont work on a tram, train, bus etc as some of the ads show but if you are stationary in a reception area you should get a signal.
No personal experience in this regard, but it might be worth an enquiry.
I'll have a gander tomorrow and post back to you.
Yep, pretty simple to use most Telstra Mobiles as a Computer Modem. Just install the CD that came with the phone onto the Computer, ring Telstra on the 125111 number and ask for a Browsing Pack if you're on a monthly account or a Browse Plus Pack if you're Prepaid. Connect the phone to the Computer via the data Cable and use the installed program from the CD to Connect to the Net. For those who hit the backblocks the GME AE915 antenna connected to the phone via a Patch Lead improves reception by heaps. Here's the Links to Browsing & Browse Plus Packs. The beauty of these are that they are month by month - not contract and you can vary the plan from one month to the next or cancel it if you wish:
http://telstra.com.au/mobile/nextg/browsing_packs.html
http://telstra.com.au/mobile/prepaid/pluspacks.html
Regards - Michael.
No worries Dave.
Twobob, with regards to using Bluetooth rather than Data cable with the Computer, you will generally (depending on Phone brand) find that the software CD that comes with the Phone will have a connecton option (Cable or Bluetooth) when you install it on the Computer and providing you have Bluetooth enabled on the settings in the Phone (in either the Settings or Multimedia or Connectivity or elsewhere depending on Phone brand) then that takes care of the Phone side.
On the Computer side you need either ensure Bluetooth is activated if the Computer has Bluetooth built in, or buy a Bluetooth Dongle and install it if not - my choice is Targus, but they're all OK and it's probably best to set up/activate the Computer Bluetooth before the Phone.
Once it's all set up then to get them to talk to each other is relatively easy. In the software menu of either the Phone or the Computer there will be a heading which reads something like 'Search for other Devices in range of this ??(Phone or Computer depending on which you're using). Enabling this will start the search and when the Phone/Computer is found then you'll be asked by each for a Pin No. for acceptance. Of course this will be the same No. for each. Most people just use '0000' but some Devices DO have specific Pin Nos. which will be referred to in the Manual of that Device.
Michael.
Still wont work on a tram, train, bus etc as some of the ads show but if you are stationary in a reception area you should get a signal.