Q: In building that has wireless internet, why can I connect my laptop and netbook,

So I'm guessing that you connected your desktop previously using an Ethernet cable to your cable modem. You could buy a wifi device for your desktop or a wifi to Ethernet bridge standalone device to provide the missing Ethernet access.

If your laptop is relatively new it may not have a VGA port - most likely what your are using on your desktop to connect to your display. It might have a newer displayport to hdmi connector, both of which look a lot like USB connectors, but they aren't, or the mini version of displayport or hdmi. The spec for your laptop should describe exactly which connector it has. You can buy an adapter cable to connect any of those things to a VGA display.

I did previously connect the desktop using an Ethernet cable to my cable modem -- or at least I think so. But since I have the WIFI device, i.e., the Cricket Crosswave modem, that is the main way that I connect to the internet. I plug in the Crosswave via a USB port. (I haven't figured out how to do it otherwise, but there are alternatives, i.e., WIFI, supposedly.

That's not the problem. The problem is that as of tomorrow, I have temporarily stopped the Cricket service because I'm trying to save that money, and I have the alternate access to the internet via the building's wireless system. What perplexes me is why I can access the building's internet wireless connection on my laptop and on my netbook, but I can't seem to make that connection on the desktop. The question is: why not if the desktop computer is only 2 years old? The laptop and netbook are also about 2 years old.

Re the monitor issue, you're right that my laptop doesn't have the VGA port. I'll check the specs to see exactly which connector is being used. Re the advice to buy an adapter cable, is that type of thing available in some place like Best Buy or other large computer store - or is it something I have to special order. If so, where do I get this kind of adapter? Any ideas on that?

Thanks.

All laptops and net books have wifi, desktops generally don't. You can buy a wifi device for your computer or an external wifi to Ethernet bridge. You will have to spend 50-100 bucks, but that is a one time expense. You are saving 20-50/month by not paying for cable Internet access, so you get your money back rather quickly.

I'd avoid bestbuy for cables. Amazon has some great deals, in particular the amazonbasics house brand is generally good quality and great price. Make sure your monitor has a VGA port and not a dvi port. The VGA port is generally blue, dvi white, different connectors. Many monitors have both.

but I'll check the specifications.

Thanks for info about the desktop also.

Great to have computer experts here on DU!

Wifi is a radio signal and if you don't have the radio in your computer it won't pick it up, desktops are expected to be connected through an ethernet cable for the most part and don't normally have the radio. You can buy a radio that goes inside the desktop but a USB unit is more flexible to use and less hassle to install.

This unit here is a little bigger and a little more expensive than some but seems to be well thought of on Amazon's feedback.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E8J998/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&smid=A33Y0YQUZ2NYD5