How to Access a Wi-Fi Connection

If your computer has an internal WiFi card, you're ready for wireless Internet access.

Accessing a Wi-Fi connection on your computer requires one of two solutions. You may either use an internal Wi-Fi card if your computer is equipped with one, or you may utilize an external Wi-Fi USB dongle that can be plugged into the USB port of your machine. Using either of these methods will allow you to effortlessly join a public Wi-Fi connection or even access a private Wi-Fi connection if you have the password. Accessing a wireless network with either of these solutions requires no existing networking expertise.

Things You'll Need

• Internal Wi-Fi card
• External Wi-Fi USB dongle

Instructions

1. Look over your computer's hardware to ascertain whether your machine has an internal Wi-Fi card. Such a Wi-Fi card will allow you to immediately access a Wi-Fi connection. You will find these specifications in your computer's user manual and related documentation.

2. Attach an external Wi-Fi USB dongle to your computer if you lack an internal Wi-Fi card. This dongle will plug into the USB port on the rear or side of your computer.

3. Wait a few moments after plugging in the external Wi-Fi USB dongle in order for your machine to detect the new hardware. You should receive an onscreen message when the hardware is detected. You may also to restart your computer after plugging in the dongle.

4. Find the wireless icon on your computer's desktop. If you are using a Windows machine, you can find this icon on the right side of the bottom toolbar, across from the "Start" button. If you are using an Apple Mac, you can find this wireless icon on the right side of the top toolbar, next to the volume icon.

5. Select the wireless network icon with your mouse cursor. On a Mac you can single click the wireless network icon, while on a PC you must double click it. A listing of all networks within range will pop up. Click on the network you are trying to join.

6. Enter the password for the network when prompted, provided it is password-protected. Hit "Enter." If you do not possess the password for the encrypted network, then you will not be able to join it and must try a publicly accessible Wi-Fi connection.

7. Wait a few moments for your connection to join the Wi-Fi network. You will see a notification from the wireless icon, or you will see it display a wireless signal strength reading. You will now have access to the Wi-Fi connection and may surf the Internet using this connection.

References

• Microsoft: Setting Up a Wireless Network