Connect Your Laptop
to Wireless Internet
Even if you don't have a wireless internet connection at home, almost every bar, coffee shop, restaurant and even retail store now has the ability to connect wirelessly. With an increase in laptops and even phones with wireless capability, hopping online has never been easier. Unfortunately, sometimes using a wireless network requires a bit of troubleshooting on the part of the user. With a little help, getting online will be a breeze even for new computer users.
Instructions
1. Make sure your computer, phone or whatever device you are trying to connect is capable of connecting wirelessly. Wireless connectivity has gone from luxury to must-have only in the last few years, so a device even three or four years old might not have be able to connect without an extra accessory. Refer to the user manual for your device to find out. If your device cannot connect "natively," wireless cards can be purchased relatively inexpensively for a PCMCIA slot for a laptop, a PCI slot for a desktop or a USB slot, which will work for either.
2. Find out what program you are using to reach a wireless connection. Windows, Mac and Linux have programs that will run automatically to look for wireless connections, but these programs can be over ruled by other programs, such as the software that comes with other wireless cards. This will vary from computer to computer, but on Windows based computers, the program should be displayed in the bottom right. More often than not, the Windows, Mac or Linux network software will perform just as well if not better than any third-party software.
3. Learn the name of the network and if there is a password. With so many wireless networks, its not uncommon to be in range of several networks at one time. If at a store, ask an employee what the name of the network is and if there is a password to connect. (Some stores, such as coffee shops, will print this on the receipt to prevent freeloaders.) You then will open your wireless settings, search for the network and connect that way. If the network is password protected simply enter the password when prompted.
4. "Repair" the connection using your connection software. If error messages such as "limited or no connectivity" keep appearing, go into your connection software and look for a button that says "repair," "fix connection" or something similar. This will attempt to reset your computers connection with the network and can fix some common problems.
5. Contact tech support or have your computer checked out if problems persist. Wireless cards can break, additional hardware can cause conflicts or internal software problems all can create difficulty in connecting. A real computer sleuth should be able to dive in and untangle the mess, but for those just starting out a trip to see a more computer-savvy friend might be in order.
