iLAMP

There are three common wireless protocols right now. A protocol is a format for transmitting data. When you go to buy your wireless hardware, you will need to be familiar with the different protocols to choose the right hardware for the protocol you want to use.
802.11a
This protocol is mostly used in large offices right now. 802.11a is not nearly as common as b or g. You probably won't be using this.
802.11b
This is the most common protocol in use right now. At 11Mbps, 802.11b is slower than g, but b is the protocol used by most public wireless hot spots in coffeehouses, airports, hotels, and some college campuses. 802.11b cards also have the best support in Linux.
802.11g
The 54Mbps speed of 802.11g makes it the fastest protocol, but Linux support is lacking for many g network cards. Look around online to find which of the latest cards for the g protocol are supported. If you do buy 802.11g hardware and you have a laptop, buy hardware that also supports the b protocol; then you have flexibility when trying to get online when you are out and about.