How to Install a Wireless Internet Card on a Macbook Pro
Cellular data connections have become more popular, as have Macs. If you have just bought one, or are looking to add wireless Internet to your Macbook Pro, installing a wireless Internet card is a simple process.
With wireless Internet, the user will be able to connect to the Internet from anywhere with a wireless signal. This is especially helpful to those who are frequently mobile and may need a Internet connection for their business or line of work.
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Instructions
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Setting up and Installing the Card
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Purchase an ExpressCard-compatible wireless Internet card from your chosen provider. All the major operators should offer some type of notebook card. Service must be activated in order for the installation to work. PCMCIA cards are not compatible with MacBook Pros.
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2
Plug the card into the ExpressCard slot on the left side of the laptop's base. On the case this appears as an oval door about 2 inches wide. Push the card in until it clicks: it should begin the boot-up process on its own. In some cases, Mac OS X will automatically detect your card and use the built-in features of Mac OS X in order to operate the card. Use the link below in Resources to see if your card is supported in this manner.
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Test the card to ensure proper functionality if your card is automatically detected. Otherwise, continue on to the next step.
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If your card is not officially supported, use the installation disk to install the third-party software that will allow you to operate the card. Follow instructions for installation that are typically provided with these discs.
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5
Ensure proper operation by attempting to visit several websites. If the tests are successful, you have properly set up the card and have finished the installation process. If you are experiencing problems, see below for some tips.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are receiving error messages such as no connectivity, ensure you are in an area with a good cellular signal. If this continues, try turning the card off and back on, or pushing it in to eject it completely, then reinsert. If these suggestions do not work, call the cellular company to confirm your account is set up correctly.
Most problems with wireless cards result from poor connectivity. As stated above, always ensure you are in an area with at least two bars of service or more. Areas with only one bar of service will likely be too weak to allow reliable connectivity.
