Recommendations for Wireless Network Cards for Desktop and Notebook computers for Upper Class students
If you are living in a College-owned house across College Street, you will need a wireless network card (802.11b/g) for the College's wireless network in all College-owned houses bordered by College St., Bell St., McCausland St. and Thomas Rd, as well as on College Drive.
Desktop computer owners should purchase a wireless network card that plugs directly onto to the computer motherboard in one of the available PCI expansion slots. These cards have an external antenna which generally provides superior signal strength when connecting to a Wireless Network.
Notebook or laptop computers owners will generally find that they have a wireless network card built in to their computer. If your notebook or laptop does NOT have a built-in wireless network card then a PCMCIA (credit card style) wireless card that plugs into the external expansion slot is recommended. They employ an external antenna which provides superior signal strength when connecting to a wireless network.
Note: We DO NOT recommend using a USB wireless network adapter in either desktop or notebook/laptop computers. Experience has shown them to have inferior signal strength and lower reliability in working with the College's network.