Dissertation Help!

Heya guys for a part of my practical i have to crack a simple wep key, ive never relly tried this before but have been looking into it and it seems that cain and able/kismet are the best programs around:-). Just a few questions really if anyone could answer i would be very gratefull!

Do i need to buy the airpcap usb adapter(the website said it was 195 dollars? :/)
As from what ive read so far you need to buy that inorder for it to work, is there any way to crack a simple wireless password without spending an arm and a leg?

Also is there a way of detecting if i need to get a new network card to work this?

IF anyoen has doen this before could they please reply :) cheers.


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