How to connect a laptop to the internet?

♥Summer♥: How to connect a laptop to the internet?
I have an Acer Extensa 2300. I want to connect it to an existing internet connection thing that we use for our desktop computer. So I plug in the modem thing that plugs into our desktop into my laptop, but it doesn’t work. Do I have to set up something on my laptop? I’d like it to be wireless. If I plug a wireless adapter into my laptop would it be able to connect to the modem that is used for the desktop?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Colonel
Regarding the cable connection, I would suggest to check your Connections folder (what is your operating system BTW?). If your modem doesn’t offer Wireless connection, you won’t be able to use WiFi. Check this first.

Answer by ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSheela
There might be a problem with your modem… rather the lines.
Try it again and refresh it. Check your wlan if there is an existing connection or available connection. Having a wireless landline is easier. Reprogram your adapter if it still doesn’t work. Just click troubleshoot.
If nothing works then I suppose your internet connection sucks or something is wrong with the modem.

Answer by Will
Laptops have built in wireless adapters what you need is a wireless router you can get one as low as $ 30. Here is an example of one

Answer by Quantum Dragon
According to the manual, your Extensa 2300 can come with wired (RJ-45), wireless (InviLink 802.11-B/G) or (more rare) both.

It’s normal that it does not work instantly when you plug the modem in your laptop directly as you need to set it up in the laptop first just as it was done once on the desktop.

Now there are many ways to set this up:

A) If you are using the laptop to replace the desktop completely, you need to set it as per your ISP (Internet Service Provider) instructions, check for it online @ their support web site.

B) If you will be using both, you need to buy and set up a (wired/wireless) router and then you will be able to use up to four computers. I use a Linksys @ home.

Check if your version of the laptop came with wireless B/G or not.

If it came with wireless, you just need a router with wireless capabilities and to follow the instructions in the box that comes with it.

You only need to buy an adapter if 1) you have no wireless built-in OR 2) you want wireless-N capabilities (which offer a broader range and distance for linking)

Hope this helps

P.S.: If you don’t have the manual, you can get a copy here: