How do I connect to the internet on the 3DS system? the 3DS is the first handheld that i've really gotten into. I don't understand wifi hot spots are any of that. Do,I need a router? IS there any other way to connect to the internet on a 3DS system? I know it's stupid,but I really don't know how it's suppose to work.

I use the nintendo wifi USB connector

I'm speechless

Is that like something you can buy?

you can also steal it, if you want.

I don't think Nintendo make the Wifi USB Connectors anymore - I use one too. You'd be able to buy one off ebay or something fairly easily though

If you have a wireless router in your house already, then it's an easy business. You'll have to go to the internet connection menu on your 3DS, search for the same access point as your router (A.K.A, your router's name) and then input the password that you have for your connection.

The 3DS is much easier to connect via vireless because it not only accepts WEP passwords, but also WPA, WPA2, WPA-Enterprise and WPA2-Enterprise passwords, and it has a 801.11 b/g/n capacity.

If you don't have a wireless router, you'll need to get your hands on a wireless USB connector (the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector is good, but I don't think those are sold anymore), which in this case, any Wi-Fi USB connector works, you just need an USB Female A type to USB Mini B 5 Pin type adapter (these are very cheap).

To work with that system, you'll need to have an external wireless USB adapter coming out of your internet cable-connected PC and have the USB connector in your 3DS configured to your internet specifications the same way as if you were using a wireless router.

AFAIK, the USB Wifi connector was useful for the DS/i, in that, it only support WEP security. So, if you have the stronger security settings that uses something else, you would need the dongle or downgrade your security to WEP.

You connect it wirelessly just exactly how you would any wireless devices.
Check the internet settings, then search for wifi signal. Then pick the one you own, enter password and then finish.
Once the settings is saved, it will automatically detect it when you try to connect online.
You can save up to 3 connections.

As for hotspot, such as McD, I have no clue. I'd assume that that's automatic connection.

wifi hotspot - some place with a wifi signal and internet wether free or not.

easiest solution
1. go to some place that advertises free wifi internet
2. turn on your 3ds
3. turn on your wifi on your 3ds (the right slider switch and it should light up yellow)
4. go to system settings
5. choose internet settings
6. choose connection settings
7. choose new connection
8. choose manual setup
9. choose search for access point
10. all available wifi connections will be displayed
11. choose the wifi you desire to connect. for public wifi hotspots, choose the one with the unlocked lock icon on the right. this means that there is no security protection. if all the wifi connections have locked icons then your out of luck or if you do know the password or key then just input the password ore key. if you dont know the password then look for some other establishment that offers free wifi internet
12. after choosing the wifi connection you desire, select ok to save
13. you will be prompted that it has been saved, tap ok
14. connection will be tested, if the 3ds is able to connect to the internet you will be notified that the test is successful.
15. enjoy your internet connectivity via eshop and the lame internet browser

too lazy to go out and you just wanna stay home or there is no accessible location with free wifi?
then you will need
1. home internet connection
2. wifi router
steps
1. connect internet to wifi router
2. configure router with your internet username or password if any. if you dont know it then contact your isp and ask for your password and username
3. configure your router..dont ask me how, check your router's user manual
4. set a password following your router's manual.
5. follow the steps above when trying to connect to a public wifi hotspot
6. if successful, enjoy your 3ds' eshop and crapy web browser

too cheap ass to buy a wifi router or you're on a usb 3g - 4g internet network?
1. check if your pc has a wireless lan card. if yes, check its brand and model.
2. google connectify
3. check if your wifi card is supported, if yes, download connectify
4. follow procedures on how to turn your pc into a wifi hotspot (its very very simple)
5. follow steps from the easiest solution
6. no wifi lan card? then again google connectify and check for compatible wifi cards.
7. buy a wifi lan card
8. download connectify..
9. you get the picture...

no pc? no laptop? no public wifi? too cheap ass to buy anything?
WTF?!! no really? come now!! just buy a 3DS compatible flashcart and change your name to black beard the pirate LOLOLolololol!!!!!

The 3DS manual should explain it in excruciating detail, but it's almost automatic:

3DS Menu ->
System Settings ->
Internet ->
Search for an Access Point ->
Follow instructions.

Yes you will need a wireless router, but most ISPs provide you with one of those for free nowadays