How to Make Your Computer Wireless
Wireless network cards allow a connection to the Internet using wireless technology through radio frequencies. Virtually all laptops have a built-in wireless card. To make a desktop computer wireless, you need an expansion card with the external antenna having a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) interface. Wireless cards are especially convenient in a household with several desktop computers connected to one network router to avoid complicated cable routing.
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Things You'll Need
- PCI wireless expansion card
- CD with wireless card drivers (packaged with the card)
- Phillips head screwdriver
- 4mm screw
Instructions
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1
Buy a PCI wireless expansion card. There are many available desktop wireless cards. One of them is listed in Resources.
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2
Turn off the computer. Remove the side cover of the computer case. Computers are shipped with a variety of case designs, so refer to your computer manual for instructions.
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3
Insert the video card into the PCI slot of the motherboard. Secure the card with the 4mm screw.
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4
Close the computer case and turn on the computer.
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5
Log in to the administrator account in Windows XP/Vista.
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6
Insert the CD with wireless card drivers into the computer's CD/DVD drive. Follow the prompts to install the drivers on your system. Restart the computer if prompted.
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7
Click "Start" in the lower-left corner of the screen and then "Connect to." A list of available wireless network connections will appear. Select a desired connection and click on "Connect."
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