How to Connect a New Laptop to the Internet

Connecting your new laptop to the Internet takes just basic know-how.

Older Internet connection types involved multiple hardware devices and a complex setup process, but modern network connections are essentially plug-and-play. Still, it is important to have some basic knowledge when attempting to connect your new laptop to the Internet.

Instructions

1. Have an Internet connection installed in your home by a local Internet service provider (ISP).

2. Connect the Internet device to your computer. This step will vary slightly depending on what type of connection you had installed. Your ISP may have provided a modem that will connect to your computer via an ethernet cable. If your ISP provides wireless Internet service, your computer should recognize the wireless network and try to connect automatically. You may also have had a home network installed, in which case you would simply connect an ethernet cable from an ethernet jack on a wall into your computer.

3. Browse the Internet by opening a webpage in a web browser. As stated, modern connections are literally plug-and-play, meaning that whether you are using a wired or a wireless connection, the computer should setup the connection for you as soon as it detects the new connection. Any connectivity failures should be addressed by the technical support department of your ISP.