How to Configure a Laptop to a Wireless Router

After purchasing a wireless router (see "Additional Resources," below, for suggestions), you can connect the device to your cable or DSL modem and create a wireless network in your home or office. Once you have properly set up your wireless network, you need to configure your laptop to connect to the Internet through its wireless card. Both PC and Mac laptops can connect to wireless routers.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

PC Instructions

1. Make sure that your wireless router is properly connected to your cable or DSL modem with an Ethernet cable.

2. Open the "Start" menu on your PC laptop and click on the "Control Panel" icon.

3. Double click on the "Network Connections" icon. A new window will open with details about the wireless cards installed on your computer.

4. Right click on the icon of your wireless card and choose "View available wireless networks." Windows will now scan for nearby wireless networks.

5. Click on the name of the wireless network from your router and choose "Connect."

6. Enter the password for the wireless router's network if prompted.

Mac Instructions

7. Make sure that your wireless router is properly connected to your cable or DSL modem with an Ethernet cable.

8. Go to the Airport icon in the upper-right corner of your Mac screen and choose the "Turn Airport On" option. Your laptop will now scan for nearby wireless networks.

9. Go to the Airport menu again and select the name of your wireless router's network.

10. Enter the wireless router's password if prompted.

Resources

• Linksys Router
• Netgear Router