Computer People HELP!!

[toehead11183]

My wife...WONDERFUL WIFE...bought me a notebook for school but i dont know how to get it going. (I really wanted a 300g but i guess this is more practical) I know how to use it but not set it up. Its a DELL Inspiton 1501. I think i got everything installed but still no internet connection. I cant afford one of this wireless card things so i'd like to use the existing connection at home. my moms got a woreless router but it doesnt work outside the house. What do people have so they can go everywhere and still access the internet.Also where could i buy cheap...not as expensive...microsoft programs like PPT and WORD.
Actually i am so bad with computers i dont even know what to ask. I got the Microsoft Home and Student software with it. I just need this thing to do homework, access the internet and of course check MFK. Moms getting me the carrying case for christmas. Is there anything else i need for this thing (that i can afford)

 

[rallysman]

To get internet anywhere you'll have to have a phone that can work as a modem, or an AirCard which requires a separate monthly fee. If it has wireless built in, you can always find the hotspots at schools, hospitals, truck stops, coffee shops. etc. In your house you can get a wireless router (which has a limited range), or just plug into the network card.

For cheap Micro$oft products, check with your campus book store. You can usually get word, Excel, Access, Power Point, and the others for next to nothing.

If you can't get the Micro$oft products, check out www.openoffice.org.

 

[ShadowBass]

Most notebooks have a wireless card built in now. Both me and my husband's laptops did and neither of them were very expensive.
If you have a wireless card it won't only work with the network in your house, it should detect any wireless network (like at coffeeshops, schools, etc. such as rallysman mentioned).
There's usually an icon on your taskbar that shows whether you're connected to the internet or not. If you click on it it will bring up a list of wireless connections (if any are available) and you can connect to one of them. Mine will even detect my neighbors.
Hotels and stuff also sometimes have wireless networks. Either you can simply connect or they'll give you a password.

For non-wireless you can either connect to a phone line and dial into your ISP if you have dialup, or connect an ethernet cable from your modem to your computer if you have cable or DSL. From there it will either bring up a prompt or you can manually detect your network connection and set it up.
If you have trouble manually setting it up it's best to contact your ISP because depending on what kind of connection your have the directions will be a bit different.