Wireless network connection

I installed a wireless card on my desktop a few weeks ago because I have access to a free hot spot from my home. It worked really well to start, but now it's having issues staying connected. My laptop never has any problems. About every couple of minutes my desktop disconnects, then says it can't find a wireless network. After about five minutes it finds it and takes a century to connect again. Would getting a router help alleviate my problem?

 

If you picked up a router with wireless you could just connect to your own internet connection and yes, it would alleviate your problem.

 

I had a similar problem with a "Edimax" WLAN USB Key, my problem was sorted by updating the software with a generic one released by the company that makes the actual wireless chip in the USB key. I assume that the manufacturers drivers were just an early release as they never worked very well for me.

There's also a networking section on this site, you could try searching there.

 

A router wouldn't fix that problem. It would just be a waste of money in your current situation. Solomage suggested updating the drivers and I concur. There might also be interference with the signal. Try a different location if possible, closer to a window perhaps, or a larger antenna.