How to Use a Laptop With a Wireless Modem

A wireless modem can allow you to connect your laptop to the Internet wirelessly or wired.

A laptop properly connected to the Internet by a wireless signal allows you the portability to handle business, school work and leisure activities from any location. You can either connect a wireless modem to your laptop for wired access or you can establish a wireless network to allow your laptop to recognize a wireless signal from another computer. Once connected you can pick up a wireless signal and connect to the Internet instantly.

Instructions

1. Review the literature that came with your laptop to verify that you have a wireless networking adapter. A wireless networking adapter allows your computer to pick up any wireless signal from other routers in your area. Purchase a wireless adapter from your local computer store. Prices can start at $30.

2. Click on the "Start" menu in Windows, access the control panel, click "Network and Sharing," and select "Create a new wireless network." Your computer will look for any wireless signals in the area from wireless routers or modems. Click on the brand name of the modem that you own or the name of the network that you want to access once the network connection wizard locates it.

3. Type in any passwords that may be required to access the network. The password was created by the original person that owns the wireless router. You will be prompted that you have successfully connected to the network. If you own the wireless router, create your own password to protect your network from unauthorized usage. Open your preferred browser and access a website.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect your modem to your laptop via an Ethernet cord and follow the same instructions if you want to connect your modem to your computer by an Ethernet cord.

References

• Microsoft: 4 Steps to set up your home wireless network