How to Connect a Wireless Network Adapter
A wireless network is any that is wireless (using radio waves) instead of a wired connection (using Ethernet cables). To access a wireless network you need a wireless network adapter installed on your computer. There are two types of wireless network adapters: a card, which is installed internally into a computer, and USB, which is plugged into a computer port. No matter which you use, installation is easy if you follow some simple directions.
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Instructions
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Connecting a Wireless Network Adapter on a Desktop PC
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1
Shut down your computer and disconnect the power supply.
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2
Remove the screws from the computer case to open up the computer.
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3
Locate the PCI slots on your computer's motherboard and remove a PCI plate from the computer case.
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4
Install the wireless PCI adapter. Remove the antenna or point it straight toward you and place the adapter into the PCI slot. Make sure the adapter is placed securely into the PCI slot and screw it into the case.
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5
Close the computer case and restart your computer.
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6
Run the installation CD. Follow the instructions on the CD carefully and the network adapter will install correctly.
Connecting a USB Wireless Network Adapter
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7
Run the installation CD.
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8
Plug in the network adapter into an available USB port. While running the installation CD, you will be prompted to plug in the network adapter.
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9
Open up the "Available Networks" and click on your home network. This occurs automatically on most computers. Click on the network you want access to and connect to it.
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When connecting to a home network for the first time you will be prompted to enter the "WEP code" or "passphrase." Once you've successfully connected to the network you can save the connection your PC so that it will automatically connect to that network in the future.
Connecting a Wireless Network Adaptor to a Laptop
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11
Carefully turn the laptop over and place it onto a solid surface. Place a soft cloth or towel underneath the laptop to prevent it from scratching.
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12
Remove the screws on the "PCMCIA" panel.
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13
Insert the card into the slot but do not force it. When it is fully inserted the eject button will pop out.
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14
Listen for a confirmation sound, which should occur a few seconds after the card has been inserted. If there is no sound, check the speakers on the laptop and make sure the PCMCIA drivers have been installed properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the network adapter is installed securely into the PCI slot. When you install a PCMCIA card, the laptop will go to sleep. This is necessary to maintain a link between the system and the card just inserted. In addition, follow instructions on the installation CD carefully.
References
- Photo Credit PCMCIA card isolated image by Boris Ryaposov from Fotolia.com
