Wifi signal receiver booster

[iamthestig]

What gadget do I need to boost the wireless reception on my laptop?

[iamthestig]

Ok, it's probably illegal and immoral but here goes. I work in a signal box, very dull 8 to 12 hour shifts on my own all day, and there's only so much TV/radio/reading I can tolerate without going nuts - internet makes the day go so much quicker. Since I got my first wireless laptop I've been getting 2-3 intermitant wifi signals from some of the nearby houses, only ever get a very weak signal and it goes altogether a lot of the time. Was just wandering if there was any sort of arial or something I could try to increase the reception.