How to Connect to Wireless Internet
Wireless Internet is popping up everywhere lately. WiFi is readily available at many bookstores, coffee shops and shopping malls. According to a 2009 MSNBC article, several airlines are even testing in-flight wireless Internet services. Unfortunately, even with wireless signals reverberating through our society, getting online can feel like a daunting task to newer laptop users. Luckily, the process is actually quite simple and new users can access wireless Internet in just a few quick steps.
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Instructions
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Mouse over your Windows Taskbar, holding the mouse pointer over the small icon featuring two blue computer monitors and a red "x," located at the right-hand side of the Taskbar. A message will appear saying "Wireless networks are available" if there is available WiFi in the area.
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Right-click on the icon to bring up a list of options. Click on the "Connect to a network" option. This will open a new window listing all available wireless networks.
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Click on the network with the most green bars if there are several networks available. The green bars represent signal strength.
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Click "Connect." The connection process is typically very fast, and your computer will be online and ready for web surfing in a matter of seconds.
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Tips & Warnings
The images accompanying this article show Windows Vista; the connection process is the same for Windows XP, but the visual display will look slightly different. To connect, you will need a wireless Internet card. Newer laptops have these built right into the computer, but for an older machine you may need to buy a special external card. For a secure network, you will be prompted for a password in order to complete the connection. Many stores and shopping centers will give the password to customers upon request. If you are unable to connect, Windows will offer you the option to "diagnose connection problems." Click to start the automatic diagnosis so you can learn what is wrong with your computer or the wireless provider.
