Not a problem but a question regarding WIFI...

[deuces wild]

...I would like to install a WIFI card in my Dell laptop without having to open up the case. I have 2 available plugin ports available. Is this possible? :)

[-pops-]

USB Wi-Fi dongles are readily available - at a low price as well.

Here is one http://www.netgear.com/products/details/WG111.php but there are much cheaper ones around.

An important thing is to plug them direct into the computer and not via a hub.

[D4\/!d]

Yeah, the WG111 is the one I use.

I have it plugged into the supplied USB extension lead - I 'spose that's ok.

It does get rather warm/hot, esp with this weather. That causes it to cut out quite often. For example you cannot leave it downloading yer fav film, while you pop out. It's likely to drop the internet connection, and sit there doing nothing.

I've just got a small desk fan and I hang the adapter over that to keep it cooler. Seems to work OK.

I don't think any of 'em are reliable though. So I would get a proper known brand such as Netgear, rather than a cheapo one :)

[-pops-]

D4\/!d, I'm surprised your WG111 gets hot. I have one that gets only slightly warm, even in this hot weather.

Regarding you having it on a long lead, I'm sure that's OK. My point about a hub was that it's best that it doesn't pass through extra, unnecessary, electronics before reaching the computer.

I never use USB hubs having had multiple failures with them years ago and some hardware doesn't perform very well when connected via a hub - scanners, printers and webcams in particular. I expect to include WiFi dongles in that list. If I need extra USB ports, I install a PCI card with as many as five or so ports on them. Cheaper than a hub as well.