by 
The Curious Bag
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Adding a wireless card to your computer frees it from the need to plug into a router. The card connects to the network using radio transmitters and receivers. The type of card you need depends on what kind of computer you have, and on what kind of network you wish to be connected.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers usually use internal cards. These cards will plug into a slot on the motherboard, so you will have to open the computer's case to install it. One of the PCI slots is the most commonly used location for this card.
Notebook Computers
If you have a notebook computer that doesn't have built-in wireless (or you want to upgrade its wireless capabilities), you can get a card that plugs into an external slot, usually either a PC Card or ExpressCard slot.
Universal Serial Bus
Many network card manufacturers are making adapters that plug into a computer's USB port. These adapters will work with either a notebook or a desktop.
Wireless Protocol
There are three common wireless protocols, referred to as Wireless B, Wireless G or Wireless N. Wireless N is faster than Wireless G which is faster than Wireless B. Wireless N is reverse-compatible with both B and G.
Data Encryption
In order to keep your data confidential, wireless cards and routers can encrypt the data that they are sending between each other. Use the highest level of security that both the router and wireless card support.
Source:
virginia.edu: choosing a wireless card
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