If someone is generous enough to give me a very baisc tutorial, or maybe point me in the right direction...please.

I'm about to get a laptop with wireless internet capabilities.

do i have to subscribe to some new wireless service to log onto the net, when i'm out and about?

whats the deal with people at starbucks? they using free internet at starbucks or their own service?

how much is stuff like this? who are the better companies to get service from?

inquiring mind would love to know.

You can't just get online anywhere, anytime. You have to be in range of a network. Your wireless card will be able to detect Starbuck's network and you can log on for free.

To go wireless in your home, you'll need a router. What kind of service do you have now? Cable? You'll need to buy a router and hook it up to your modem, then your card will be able to detect the router and you can log onto your home network.

sheesh, dov.
even i knew that.

sure ya did. Laura! sure ya did!

motherfuckers around here charge to use their internet.
still. only coffee house in town. mediocre coffee. shitty customer catering.

buy a wireless route card, a little expensive but you don't have to worry about hot spot and the speed is pretty decent. I have a version broadband card which runs me about $75 a month.

Verizon, Cingular, and Sprint all have broadband cards.
Check to see what deals are going on in your area, and you might get a free card with a contract. I'm not sure which monthly bills are lower, or which connections are faster, but I have seen commercials where some are faster than others.