strange question for the embroidery forum lol. I have a built in card. My friend had to buy an external card. So yes you need a card IF your laptop is wifi compatible. If you aren't sure take it to best buy or one of those places and they can tell you easily enough most likely free of charge. Also there should be a button/switch on it somewhere to turn on the wifi signal. I have windows XP if I click on start menu there is a "connect to" choice when I highlight this it gives me the options of wireless connection or show all connections. Hope this helps if you need more info I will check back on this Q from time to time.

I have a card n mine that was installed prior to my purchasing it Monica It's a Dell I do not know about other makes. *4U

You have an internal card when you switch the button on that activates the card. Then again you go to connections wireless and it searches for a signal. List comes up of signals and strengths you choose the one you want and click connect. Also see my comment below.

Looks like you got a good answer. Good luck. *