| To make a laptop wireless, a signal is necessary, | | | | Home Network? |
| either available at a home network or any public | | | | Depending on how old the laptop is it probably |
| Wi-Fi location, and a wireless card or built-in | | | | does not have integrated wireless as most new |
| wireless connection is required for a laptop to pick | | | | laptops do today. |
| up the signal. | | | | Assuming you already have a wireless home |
| How Do I Connect A Wireless Printer to a | | | | network setup you will need to add a wireless |
| Wireless Laptop? | | | | network adapter of some type to your old laptop. |
| Printers that can be networked will come with | | | | Even though there are a number of different |
| either a wireless adapter or a network adapter. | | | | wireless adapters, the two primary ones used |
| Since the question states wireless printer then | | | | today for laptops are either a PC Card, |
| let's assume that it has a wireless adapter. You | | | | sometimes referred to as a PCMCIA card, or a |
| can then plug it directly to a wireless router or | | | | USB wireless adapter. |
| you can use it in what is called ad-hoc mode. | | | | The PC Card is about the size of a credit card |
| If you choose to use ad-hoc mode then be | | | | and fits into a slot on the side of your laptop. |
| aware that printing will monopolize your wireless | | | | Before you purchase make sure that your old |
| adapter in your Laptop. | | | | laptop has such a slot. |
| There are some good step-by-step instructions at | | | | The USB Wireless Adapter will of course require |
| wikiHow; "How To Set Up a Wireless Printer | | | | that your laptop have a USB port available. |
| Connection". | | | | Before you purchase either adapter, make sure |
| Are all Laptops Wireless? | | | | that it is compatible with your laptop's operating |
| Most laptops today (Oct, 2009) have integrated | | | | system. Also, make sure the wireless adapter is |
| wireless, so you will not need to purchase a | | | | Wi-Fi certified. |
| wireless adapter for the laptop. | | | | Check the transfer rate and the adapter's range |
| How Do I Connect an Old Laptop to a Wireless | | | | to be sure it will meet your needs. |