Can someone recommend a wireless card that will pickup wireless Internet signal the best - high range?

[TomD]

I live in an apartment with free WiFi. But I barely get one bar if any. And even with such a low connection, I am getting high speeds. However, I would like to know if someone can recommend a high range receiver or some kind of signal booster so that I can assure a more stable connection with more bars? Also, if I am connected to the network (or any public network), with all file sharing and network discovery off (using Vista), is my cpu safe from intrusion and other hacks???

[scott23]

I used to have the same problem. I was using a usb wireless card, and because my computer was a desktop rather than laptop pc, I put my usb card on the end of a 5-m USB extension cable, and could have my receiver at the other end of my house, where the signal was perfect. Doubled my download speed.
If you're using an integral wifi card on a laptop, try moving around the apartment before replacing it - you'll be amazed at how much different 10 foot makes!

[scott23]

Get a good laptop. My Toshiba Satellite P25-S507 still has the best reception compared to any other laptop I've compared to in the last 3 years and that's compared to over 100 people in my office. I'm the only one who gets 4 bars wherever I go. Many conk out in certain seats except mine.

My friend also tries to get free wifi in her apartment and mine gets it fine there, but her dell inspiron 1501 doesn't. Dell's suck in my estimation for wireless connectivity as well as speakers.

You can offer to install a "cantenna" for the building. google it. use a pringles can. You can also make a freeantennas.com device. otherwise you have to spend some money on a repeater.

if you're connecting to someone else's router you are never safe. they can see all traffic and steal any info they want. hackers can do it in a few min. doesn't matter if you have a firewall, antivirus, etc.

10 points please

[By_Amoras]

You need a directional antenna.

Google for cantenna.

[scott23]

Well, you didn't say what card you are using now, built in or external.

Since no one has suggested a card for you I will.

I use senao when I need high power with external antennas
http://www.wlanmall.com/senao-200mw-wireless-card-external-antenna-nl2511cdext2-p-689.html?manufacturers_id=29&osCsid=182d80c24913b0 68dcfb2efa97991fe7
or
http://www.wlanparts.com/product/NL2511CDPLUSEXT2
or just search for
Senao NL-2511CD or Engenius EL-2511CD+

these cards have 5+ times the normal output and has a 5dbi antenna which gives it very good connection even when the internal card wont even see the network. Do note they are 11mbit cards but then the internet is usually less speed than that in the first place.

Yes, when you connect to "wireless networks" which you do not control you are at risk from other machines on the same network so keep your firewall on and turn off file and printer sharing! (Sounds like you are doing that now but keep vigilant!)

[By_Amoras]

use a 54Mbps 802.11g Wireless PC Card.