Don't know where else to put q's. 2 questions. 11g Dongle and wire

[Brian V]

What is and Acer WLAN 11g USB Dongle?

It is some program that is on my computer and pops-up at start-up. I'v
double clicked it, and nothing happens. I went on Acers site, and I can find
nothing. Even some freeware mentions it, but they only talked about the
freeware, not this WLAN 11g itself.

And how can I tell if I have wireless or not. This seems like a nobrainer,
you have it or not. But some documents on my computer mention wireless
internet surfing in programs that are there. I use a high speed connection
through an external modem that connects to my comuter and the wall. I push
the button to turn it on. That is obviously not wireless. But there is a
modem (I think a 56K motorola) already in my computer, in the bottom
expansion slot. I should remove it and make more room, but I have to makre
sure about that devices function first.

Thank you.

 

[Dr. Dos]

What is and Acer WLAN 11g USB Dongle?

It is some program that is on my computer and pops-up at start-up. I'v
double clicked it, and nothing happens. I went on Acers site, and I can find
nothing. Even some freeware mentions it, but they only talked about the
freeware, not this WLAN 11g itself.

And how can I tell if I have wireless or not. This seems like a nobrainer,
you have it or not. But some documents on my computer mention wireless
internet surfing in programs that are there. I use a high speed connection
through an external modem that connects to my comuter and the wall. I push
the button to turn it on. That is obviously not wireless. But there is a
modem (I think a 56K motorola) already in my computer, in the bottom
expansion slot. I should remove it and make more room, but I have to makre
sure about that devices function first.

Thank you.

I am sure an Acer owner can be more informative, but....
a "dongle" is something that "dangles" or hangs on to the
computer, i.e. an external physical plug-in. My thought is
that this dongle is simply a usb WiFi device that will look
something like a flash drive or even smaller.

In order to benefit from this dongle (and I suspect any such
WiFi usb or even pcmcia card) you have to have a WiFi access
point (and router)which is an independent, other piece of
hardware, not a part of the computer. The access point
intermediates between computers with WiFi capability (the
dongle) and your DSL or cable modem. These days, an access
point sells for from $40 to $130 depending on spend and
amenities.
I am sure, others will add to this thread with good advice.