How to Get a Wi-Fi Connection
A Wi-Fi connection allows you to access the Internet or a network through a computer's wireless card instead of through a telephone or Ethernet cord. You can connect to a Wi-Fi signal you have set up at your home or office, or you can find a Wi-Fi hot spot where, if you are in range of the signal, you can access the Internet.
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Instructions
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Install a wireless router to set up a personal Wi-Fi connection, following the manufacturer's instructions for plugging it in and connecting it to your modem.
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Install a wireless card or adapter or your computer, if it doesn't already have one. Most laptops come with an internal wireless card. But if you have a desktop computer, you will need a wireless adapter, which looks like an antenna you plug into your computer's Ethernet outlet. The wireless router alone will not allow your computer to access the Internet; you will need the wireless card or adapter.
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Insert the install disc that comes with each wireless router. The disc will walk you through the setup. One thing to keep in mind is whether you want your wireless network to be password protected. If you do not apply a password to your network, anyone in range of your signal will be able to access it. If you want to password protect your network, follow the instructions and enable WPA or WPA2 protection when you are prompted to do so.
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Restart your computer after the installation to allow it to load and recognize your wireless network.
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Access the wireless network or a Wi-Fi hot spot by viewing all the connections in range. Click the Internet Access icon in the lower right of your computer screen to see a list of nearby wireless networks. If you set up your own wireless connection, your network's name will appear at the top of the list with the best signal strength. Click on the network name and, if prompted, type in the password to connect to the Internet.
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