How to Connect to Wireless DSL With a Laptop

If there is a wireless router or Wi-Fi in the area, you can connect to the Internet using your laptop.

Recently manufactured laptops have a wireless adapter built in so you can pick up a wireless signal anywhere a signal is given. Having wireless access on your laptop will give you the freedom and flexibility to travel to different locations within the range of your wireless network while still being connected to the Internet. A DSL service plus a wireless router must be already established and configured in order to pick up a wireless signal to connect to the wireless network.

Things You'll Need

• Wireless adapter
• Wireless signal from a router
• Laptop

Instructions

1. Verify you have a wireless network adapter installed on your PC. You can tell if you have a wireless adapter by looking at the specifications of your laptop, or you may see a light or symbol that shows the Wi-Fi symbol to verify you have a Wi-Fi connection. You can purchase an external wireless adapter from your local cell phone company or electronics store for as little as $30 (as of 2010) that will attach to the USB port of your computer.

2. Navigate to the control panel in Windows by clicking "Start" Click "Network and sharing" and "Set up a new wireless network." Your laptop will attempt to look for any wireless networks in the area.

3. Double-click the wireless network that is familiar to you. Most wireless router networks are named by the owner of the router or are named after the brand name of the router.

4. Type in the password to access the wireless network, if you are prompted to do so. Some wireless networks don't require a password to make a connection. Your laptop will attempt to access the Internet. Open your Web browser and visit your favorite website to verify you are connected to the Internet.

References

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