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Step 1
Your laptop computer must have a wireless card installed. To check, click Start and right-click "My Computer" in Windows XP or "Computer" in Windows Vista. Click "Properties." Click the Hardware tab and then select "Device Manager." Click the plus sign next to "Network Adapters." Check the list for a wireless LAN adapter card. If there is no wireless card in your computer, check its documentation to see what type it takes. Install the card and the software that came with it.
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Step 2
Check with your Internet service provider to see if it provides free hot-spot access. If you don't get Wi-Fi service from your provider, consult a hot-spot directory on the Web
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Step 3
Go to the hot spot with your laptop computer. Click Start > Connect To > Show All Connections. Click on "Wireless Network Connection." In the menu in the left pane, click "View available wireless networks." If the computer gives an error, saying that Windows cannot configure the wireless connection, click "Change Settings of This Connection" on the left. Click the "Wireless Networks" tab. Make sure the check box next to "Use Windows to configure my wireless network settings" is checked. Click "OK."
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Step 4
Click "View available wireless networks" again. Examine the window for wireless networks in the immediate area. Select the one that corresponds to your service provider or your location's free hot-spot service. Click "Connect."
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Step 5
Enter your user name and password in your web browser on the service provider's page, if applicable. If the page doesn't load automatically, then navigate to the service provider's website to find the log-in page. Most locations that offer free hot spot service don't require a log-in.
