How do I get wirless Internet for this computer? Detailed walkthrough please?

Question

This is the computer type
HP Compaq dx2400 Business Desktop PC - Specifications

Hardware specifications
Audio, slots, and ports
Environmental specifications
Link to product overview

Hardware specifications
Features Description
Chipset Intel G33 Express
Power supply 300W ATX power supply – PFC/non-PFC with a 115v/230v line switch (varies by country/region)
Chassis Dimensions (H x W x D) 15.16 x 7.28 x 16.38 inch with bezel (385 x 185 x 416 mm)

Packaged Dimensions (L x W x H) 19.13 x 21.875 x 10.13 inch

System Weight 22.4 lb (10.2 kg)
Shipping Weight 30.8 lb (14.0 kg)
Front I/O Two (2) USB 2.0 ports
Rear I/O Standard Micro ATX I/O connectors, including four (4 ) USB 2.0 ports
Communication features
Network interface Integrated Realtek 8111C-GR GbE Ethernet Controller; Intel PRO/1000 PT Gigabit PCIe Controller (full height) – optional
Storage
Drive Bays
Internal : 2 - 3.5 inch
External : 1 - 3.5 inch; 2 - 5.25-inch
Hard drive
80 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, Smart IV
160 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, Smart IV
250 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, Smart IV
320 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, Smart IV
500 GB 7200 rpm SATA 3.0 Gb/s NCQ, Smart IV
Optical Drives SATA DVD; SATA DVD/CD-RW combo; SATA SuperMulti LightScribe DVD Writer
Audio, slots, and ports
Features Description
Audio Realtek ALC888S High Definition audio codec; 3D audio compliant and HD Audio compatible; Internal PC speaker
I/O Ports
External :
2 USB 2.0
1 microphone in
1 headphone/line-out
Rear :
4 USB 2.0; 2 PS/2; 1 external VGA monitor; 1 audio in; 1 audio out; 1 RJ-45; 1 microphone in
Slots
1 full-height PCI 2.3
2 full-height PCIe x1
1 full-height PCIe x16
Environmental specifications
Values are subject to change without notification and are for reference only.
Performance of system, options, and ancillary equipment will vary depending on the system configuration.
Levels presented do not account for non-HP/Compaq installed hardware.
Features Description
Ambient Air Temperature
Operating : 50° to 95° degree Fahrenheit (10° to 35° degree Celsius) at sea level with an altitude de-rating of 1.0° degree Celsius per every 1000 ft (300 m) above sea level to a maximum of 8000 ft (2500 m), no direct sustained sunlight. Maximum rate of change is 77° degree Fahrenheit/Hr (25° degree Celsius/Hr). The upper limit may be limited by the type and number of options installed.
Storage : -22° to 140° degree Fahrenheit (-30° to 60° degree Celsius) – Maximum rate of change: 410° degree Fahrenheit/Hr (210° degree Celsius/Hr).
Humidity
Operating : 10% to 90% relative humidity (Rh), 86° degree Fahrenheit (30° degree Celsius) maximum wet bulb temperature, non-condensing
Storage : 10% to 95% relative humidity (Rh), 101.66° degree Fahrenheit (38.7° degree Celsius) maximum wet bulb temperature, non-condensing
Altitude
Operating : 0 to 10,000 feet (0 to 3048 meters) – This value may be limited by the type and number of options installed. Maximum allowable altitude change rate is 1,000 ft/min (304.8 m/min).
Non-Operating : 0 to 30,000 feet (0 to 9,144 meters) – Maximum allowable altitude change rate is 1200 ft/min (365.76 m/min).
Link to product overview
Click here to view HP Compaq dx2400 Business Desktop PC Overview .

Answer 1

You will have to purchase a USB wireless adapter such as this one -> http://www.amazon.com/Medialink--150Mbps-Wireless-USB-Adapter/dp/B002RM08RE/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1376268255&sr=1-2&keywords=usb+wireless+adapter

The adapter on the link is not a recommendation, is simply an example of what you need to get.



Obviously, you need to have a wireless router to connect to using the wireless adapter.

Contact your Internet provider (ISP) to confirm if you have a wireless router.



If you don't have a wireless router, then you will have to obtain one similar to this -> http://www.amazon.com/Medialink-Wireless-Broadband-802-11n-Internal/dp/B0044YU60M/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1376268959&sr=1-1&keywords=wireless+router



You still have a little homework to do before connecting to the router with your computer and wireless adapter.



When you install the wireless adapter (following the manufacturer's instructions), the adapter will search for wireless signals.



Any wireless routers in the vicinity will broadcast what is know as an SSID. You have to find out which of these SSIDs belongs to your router. The SSID information is easier to obtain if you installed the router yourself, because part of the setup includes defining your own SSID.



In case you have an existing router from your ISP, if you are lucky, only this router will be discovered by the adapter, but be prepared to see a long list, especially if you live in a populated area with houses next to each other. If in doubt, contact your ISP to obtain the SSID information.



Once you select the correct SSID, the router will ask you for a key, or password. For an existing router (from the ISP), try looking for the password information on the actual device. Once you enter the password, the wireless adapter will indicate if you connected successfully. Again, contact your ISP for help with an existing router.

Answer 2

The easiest route is to get a USB wireless adapter that you can just plug into your computer's USB ports. That way you don't have to open the computer case to install any peripheral cards. Wireless adapters from Cisco/Linksys, Netgear, and others should work just fine.

Answer 3

You buy a wireless adapter and install it into a PCI or PCIe slot.