Reddit mentions of ZyXEL PLA407 HomePlug AV 200 Mbps Powerline Wall-Plug Adapter (Starter Kit - 2 Units)

I'm guessing you're in the US, so try these. I use ZyXEL hardware on my network, It's rock-solid reliable, never failed on me (over about six years)

If you need something cheaper, try these

They're faster, but TRENDnet aren't as reputable a company as ZyXEL, but they're still pretty good!

I use my homeplug on a 4 plug extender thing and it works fine. If you wanted to plug it into the wall and not lose a socket, you could use one of these which just acts as a pass through socket.

UTP Ethernet runs over copper wires unless you're on fiber. Copper wiring also transfers your electrical current in your house (wall socket to wall sockets) hence, a PoE setup would be much preferred to running your desktop over WiFi.

From a quick search I've found these (perhaps overpriced? I'm not from the States) ones:

http://www.amazon.com/ZyXEL-HomePlug-Powerline-Wall-Plug-Adapter/dp/B003ULOZ5W/ref=pd_cp_pc_0

Look into that (there are cheapers ones) if you'd like the LAN experience yet don't want to drill holes & wire your house up.

I'm not sure what was suggested in your original post, but the problem is very likely to be Wifi interference from all those other networks. What happens when you are plugged in the whole time?

Unfortunately, there is not much that can be (easily and simply) done to avoid the interference -- that is a lot of other networks. Are you in an apartment complex? I had a similar problem when I lived in one. I'm on a desktop so my solution was to buy a 100 foot long white Ethernet cable and run it from the router to my PC. I ran it along the crown molding on the ceiling with thumbtacks (they didn't leave a big enough hole for the apartment people to notice when I moved out) so it was out of the way and since it was white it blended in very well. But I can see how that might not work with a laptop that you are always moving around. Another possible solution would be some Ethernet-powerline adapters that let you use your electrical outlets as network cables. I have no idea if that particular model is any good or not, it was just the first result.

edit: Also, you can take screenshots with the "print screen" key, just so you know. On laptops that key is usually hidden away somewhere but it's typically near the F12 and scroll lock keys. Once you hit just open MS Paint or any other image editing software and then edit > paste.

What is the goal here? If you're looking to be able to network your home I always suggest power line networking in these situations.

These use the existing power lines in your home to carry the networking signal. You get network jacks anywhere you plug one in, and you can install as many as you need around the house.

My friends have used them and they work great, even for streaming HD movies using Netflix and for Xbox gaming, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/ZyXEL-HomePlug-Powerline-Wall-Plug-Adapter/dp/B003ULOZ5W/

Powerline Networking is a real easy way to network your house. Here is a newer model

I have an older one and it works very well.

Depending on the distance between where your router is located and where your computer is located, speeds may be affected.

I have a Zyxel Powerline Adapter and it works great. I have a dual band router that was giving me 25Mbps over the 5Ghz but the signal strength was 2-3 bars. The 2.4Ghz connection was getting me like 2-10Mbps on a full signal strength connection. My router is located downstairs and my computer is upstairs. The WiFi signal has 1 floor and 1 wall at least to go through.

Now with the powerline adapter, I get a 25Mbps connection that looks like a wired network. I don't have to deal with as much lag due to a WiFi connection when gaming.

Yes the computer views it as a LAN connection. So if you have networked computers and printers like I do, it will connect to the network just like if your computer was plugged in directly to the router.

How a power line connection is set up: a Netgear router that is connected to one of the Zyxel adapters. The adapter is plugged DIRECTLY into the wall electrical outlet. Then through the preexisting electrical wires in your house, the internet signal is transmitted to the other powerline adapter. Then that adapter is connected to my computer with an Ethernet cable.

TLDR: Research the Zyxel Powerline Adapter. It's been more than sufficient for my needs.

Edit: spelling and grammar.

You could setup a mesh network with DD-WRT, buy something like this - it's very interesting it transmits the ethernet over your power lines, or buy a repeater.

As far as I am aware its not a problem. You could always return it if powerline doesn't work for your home.

You will never really get the "100%" rated speed but you get plenty, and far more then wifi.

Edit: I got myself this one http://www.amazon.com/ZyXEL-HomePlug-Powerline-Wall-Plug-Adapter/dp/B003ULOZ5W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1334997260&sr=8-3 because at the time it was very cheap.. I think it was $70 for the pair/starter kit. But I would suggest getting a gigibit one if you can spend ~$10 just so you are sorta future proofing... As far as I am aware once you get one brand/type you would have to get rid of all your current ones and change to new ones if you want to "upgrade".