How to Hook Up a Wireless Laptop

In case you haven't noticed, it's a wireless world out there. No matter where you go, there seems to be a wireless network just waiting for users like you to get connected to update your Facebook profile, check your email or just chat with your friends. Having a laptop with wireless capabilities helps simplify things when you're away from your home or office, and keeps you from using public computers at an Internet café or library.

Instructions

1. 

   Confirm that your laptop has wireless capability. Windows users can check by opening the device manager to see if there's a wireless card installed. Mac users can open About This Mac (under the Apple in the upper left of the finder) and select More Info... and then Network. All wireless cards (called AirPort on the Mac) will be listed.

2. 

   Install a wireless card if there isn't one. Most of today's laptops have wireless capability built in, but older laptops may not. Depending on your computer model, you can install a PCMCIA card on most Windows laptops, an AirPort card on Macs or a third-party USB wireless card for either.

3. 

   Run any software your wireless card requires, and reboot.

4. 

   Locate the wireless network you want to connect to. Chances are it's going to have a "network key," which is a techie term for a password. You will have to know the password in order to access the network and use its resources, including Internet, printers and other computers.

5. 

   Connect to the wireless network. Windows users will either use the View Available Wireless Networks window or the software that came with a third-party wireless card. Because third-party software usually disables this function in Windows, you can only connect to a wireless network with one of these methods, not both. Mac users should click on the "pizza slice" in the upper right of the screen and select the desired network in the pull-down menu.

6. 

   Enter the network key when prompted. If it gives you the option, click on the box that allows your computer to remember the password so you don't have to enter it the next time you connect to the network.

7. 

   Launch a browser and start surfing. If you're unable to connect, confirm that your computer has successfully connected to the network by searching for other computers or printers on the network.

Tips & Warnings

• Set your computer to have the network assign the TCP/IP number. Older Mac laptops use one of two different types of AirPort cards, so check before purchasing. All network keys are case-sensitive.

• Hackers can steal personal data from your computer when connected to a public wireless network.

Resources

• Microsoft: How To Connect To a Wireless Network in Windows Vista
• Apple: AirPort Quick Assist