| There are a variety of ways in which people | | | | mean that users cannot take advantage of a |
| connect to the internet, but the number one way | | | | router, but they will have to purchase it on their |
| involves a router. This router can be used to | | | | own. There are several companies and shops that |
| connect one computer, or multiple computers to | | | | sell these. They are available in mass merchandise |
| the internet. Some attach it directly to their | | | | stores along the lines of Target and Wal-Mart. |
| computer, while others use a wireless network | | | | Some electronics or specialty stores such as |
| card to use the internet without using any cords | | | | Radio Shack, Best Buy, and Circuit City also sell |
| or wires. In the majority of cases users chose a | | | | them. Shoppers often find them on sale in the |
| router to meet their needs. | | | | stores, or they may include a mail in rebate. |
| Linksys is the primary maker of routers used by | | | | Other users may prefer to look for a router |
| a number of the current internet service | | | | online at a store such as Amazon. These stores |
| providers. Both Time Warner Cable and Comcast | | | | often provide substantial discounts as compared |
| use Linksys routers, and these are two of the | | | | to traditional stores. For instance the Router-G |
| biggest internet service providers in the United | | | | which retails for $69.99 can be found online for |
| States. When a customer decides to use a | | | | less than $50 and often with free shipping. |
| broadband system, to upgrade to wireless | | | | Many people prefer to use a Linksys router |
| service, or decides to use high speed cable to | | | | because it allows them to connect several |
| access the internet, the company will send an | | | | computers onto the same system. A household |
| installer out to their home or business. The installer | | | | where one person uses a desktop computer and |
| will be in charge of connecting the router into the | | | | one or more people use a laptop computer |
| existing cable lines. From the time the call is made | | | | especially find a router helpful. They can attach |
| to the moment when the user can connect to | | | | the desktop computer directly to the router using |
| the internet can be as little as a few short days. | | | | wires and cables. The other laptop computers can |
| There are a number of internet service providers | | | | then be connected to the system using wireless |
| that do not utilize Linksys routers, but instead | | | | network cards. Everyone in the house can use |
| choose a different manufacturer. Even Time | | | | the same system without using the same |
| Warner and Comcast use different makers in | | | | computer. |
| different parts of the country. That does not | | | | |