• Many wireless adapters connect to computers via USB 2.0 ports.usb image by Steffi Mueller from Fotolia.com
  
  There are a number of ways to connect to the Internet, but which one you choose could have a significant impact on your experience. While many people are accustomed to accessing the web via traditional wired networks, wireless networking is a widely-used alternative that provides a number of advantages. One way wireless networking is made possible is through the use of a wireless adapter, which plugs into a computer's USB port.
  
  

Mobility

• Wireless adapters let you access the Internet without dragging a long cable with you.wifi image by cyrano from Fotolia.com
  
  Wireless adapters let you connect to the Internet anywhere there is a Wi-Fi network. If you have Wi-Fi at home, you can move your computer to any room and access the web. Bring your wireless-enabled laptop to places such as coffee shops, hotels and airports for on-the-go Internet. Some airlines also offer in-flight Wi-Fi.
  
  Wireless adapters supporting EVDO (Evolution Data Only) allow you to receive broadband Internet through your cell phone provider's 3G network. While the service speed is slower than most home connections, EVDO allows you to get online wherever cell phone coverage is available.
  
  

Cost

• Wireless adapters cost about the same as a typical-length network cablenetwork cable image by Leonid Nyshko from Fotolia.com
  
  The price of a typical wireless adapter is $20 to $40, which is similar to the cost of a long network cable. Setting up a wireless network is also much cheaper than running network wiring throughout your home or business.
  
  

Performance

• wlan router 04 image by pmphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Although first-generation wireless networks provided slow speeds and spotty coverage, modern wireless adapters offer fast and stable performance. The latest wireless standard, Wireless-N (802.11n), transmits data at up to 160 MB-per-second. This is faster than many power-line networking and Ethernet alternatives.
  
  

Ease of Installation

• Most laptops and some all-in-one desktops ship with wireless adapters installed.keyboard image by Christopher Hall from Fotolia.com
  
  Wireless adapters are easy to install on any desktop or laptop computer. Often, all you have to do is plug one in and find an available wireless network. Modern operating systems have eliminated the need to install additional software or drivers in many circumstances. All laptops and some desktops even come with a wireless adapter pre-installed.