How to Get Free Wireless Internet on a Notebook
Notebook computers almost always come pre-installed with a built-in Ethernet card. The card lets users connect to a wireless Internet signal to browse the Internet. Many businesses and homes have a Wi-Fi connection, since many people have notebooks and smartphones. While some people put a password on their Wi-Fi connection to block out hackers, other people keep their network open, which allows other people to use their connection for free. Using an open Wi-Fi connection can be dangerous, since it leaves you exposed to hackers.
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Instructions
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Windows XP
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1
Turn on your notebook and set it up near a window or within 100 feet of a residential house or business. Many homes and business offices have a Wi-Fi connection, and windows allow for better connections.
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2
Double-click on the Internet icon that is located on the bottom right-hand side of your notebook screen. The icon looks like a little computer.
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3
Select "View Available Wireless Networks" on the menu that pops up.
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4
Look for a connection that says "Unsecured network" with at least two or more green bars next to it. You cannot get into a secured wireless connection without a password.
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5
Click on the unsecured network that has the highest number of green bars. Hit "Connect" to see if you can get onto the Wi-Fi connection.
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6
Ask an employee for the password if you are at a Hotspot location. Hotspots are businesses that offer free Wi-Fi connections to their customers, but most require a password. Enter a password if necessary, and wait a minute for your laptop to connect to the Wi-Fi.
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Select "Public" when it asks you for the location. A "Public" setting means that your computer and other computers on the network are safer from hackers, although the security isn't very high.
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Open a browser window to see if you are connected. If not, you may need to find a new location or Hotspot with a better connection.
Windows Vista and 7
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9
Turn on your notebook and set it up near a window or within 100 feet of a residential house or business.
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10
Go to "Start > Connect to." A list of available networks will pop up on a new menu.
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Look for a connection that says "Unsecured network" with at least two or more green bars next to it. You cannot get into a secured wireless connection without a password.
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Click on the unsecured network that has the highest number of green bars. Hit "Connect" to get onto the Wi-Fi connection.
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Type in the password, if necessary.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Go inside businesses that advertise a "Free Hotspot." Almost all public libraries offer wireless.
Open Wi-iFi connections make your notebook liable to interference from other users on the network.
References
Resources
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