How to Connect to the Internet on a Laptop With Vista

Windows Vista can be configured to access web pages on the Internet.

Microsoft Windows Vista is a computer operating system that contains device drivers, communication protocols and Internet browser software to connect to the Internet. If a laptop running Windows Vista is already connected to an Internet-enabled network, connecting to the Internet is simply a matter of opening the installed browsing software and typing in a web address. However, if the laptop is not connected to any sort of network, a dial-up or Ethernet connection to a network must first be established before the computer can access the Internet.

Things You'll Need

• Installed data or data/fax modem (for dial-up)
• Telephone cable (for dial-up)
• Installed network adapter (for local network)
• Ethernet cable (for local network)

Instructions

Internet Connection Using a Dial-Up Network

1. Turn on the laptop computer and allow the system to boot up. Click the "Start" button, go to "Settings" and open the Control Panel. Double-click "Network Connections."

2. Plug the telephone cable into the modem port on your computer. Plug the other end of the telephone cable into a working telephone jack. Click "Create a new connection" and click "Next." Select "Connect to the Internet," then click "Next." Choose "Set up my connection manually" and click "Next." Select "Connect using dial-up modem" and click "Next." Ensure that the box is checked next to your modem description, then click "Next."

3. Enter the dial-up service provider name and click "Next." Enter the dial-up phone number that your service provider gave you and click "Next." Enter the username and password you provided to the dial-up service provider, then click "Next." Click "Finish." Click "Dial" when prompted and allow the computer to sign on to the dial-up network server.

4. Open the web browser and type in a website address.

Internet Connection Via Local Area Network

1. Turn on the laptop computer and allow the system to boot up. Click the "Start" button, go to "Settings" and open the Control Panel. Double-click "Network Connections."

2. Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the network adapter port (which looks like a wide telephone port) on your computer. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the network wall jack. Right-click on "Local Area Connection" and select "Enable."

3. Open the web browser and type in a website address.

References

• Microsoft: What Do I Need to Connect to the Internet?
• Microsoft: Setting Up a Home Network