Can I boost my WiFi antenna for better signal strength?

Need ideas for boosting wifi Antenna-area reception.?

• I'm using a rebranded generic Realtek wifi adaptor (b/g) on a private home network. We have a strong signal where my primary computer is sitting; but the reception strength is all over the board. With no one else around and no movement at all, it averages around 55% strength. However I've seen it spike, again alone with no movement, as high as 98% and as low as 2%, before returning to the 50s. Since other devices pick up the signal in almost or at the same space, as high as 100% I know the signal is good. Problem is with my computer it will dump the "wireless internet connection" at 12% (local only) and cause me to have to disconnect and reconnect to reestablish internet access. I'd like to find a way to boost the ANTENNA's ability to receive the signal; much like wrapping tinfoil around an internal TV antenna. So far I've tried both tin and aluminium foil, around the receiver and the entire adaptor, as well as a brass shield behind it. All to no major benefit. I've also tried placing it dead centre of a small satellite dish which boosted strength up the high 60s average but still was sporadic. I figure, but may be wrong, there's a drift in the signal near or at the area the receiving computer is located, and simply need to concentrate the signal. Any other ideas, including the strange but possible ones.

• Answer:

  Sounds like something is blocking its path, I suggest a wi-fi antenna from WiFi View™ mine was not only cheap it works fantastic hooked up to my laptop for Skype,and watching Movies,News,Downloads etc.My wifi connect is ten miles away and comes from a Comfort Inn un-secured line.Free is good.They also provide free Info,Blueprints,links and How To's on building your own Wi Fi Antenna too...Hope This helps.