Can you hook up your laptop with 802.11 to receive a direct tv satellite cable signal and watch cable?

You could hypothetically do that but it would require purchasing some expensive equipment and the setup would be somewhat complicated. In addition, you need a satellite receiver set top box to receive the satellite signal. You cannot use your computer as a satellite receiver. The easiest way to accomplish what you want is to buy a TV tuner card, tune the tuner card to channel 3 or 4, then attach the satellite receiver to the tuner card. Or you can purchase a video card that has RCA inputs and hook up the satellite receiver that way. You can convert your PC to a TV, but you cannot convert it into a satellite receiver. And last but not least, and even easier, you can purchase software for 50 bucks that will allow you to tune into hundreds of satellite tv channels vis the internet. Go to the following website to read more about this option: http://www.satellitetvtopc.com/