How Can I Access the Internet on My Laptop?
Internet access has become an important asset to many, as the web is used for work, research or enjoying some leisure time, among many other uses. With many people constantly on the go, accessing the Internet on laptops is crucial. Accessing the Internet from a laptop computer can be done from many locations depending on your choice of connection. Currently three ways exist to access the Internet via a laptop computer.
Land-Line Access
Laptops are designed to be portable, but can be used in a stationary setting as well. A laptop needs to be directly hooked up to a dial-up connection, DSL or cable modem to be able to access the Internet. The plugs on the side of the computer base typically have an Ethernet port, phone jack, firewire port, and USB connections.
Install the modem to the laptop as instructed by your Internet service provider or manufacturer.
If using a dial-up connection, connect the phone jack to the computer at the phone jack port. If you're using a high speed cable modem or DSL, you will use an Ethernet cable to connect your modem to your computer at the Ethernet port.
Access your web browser by clicking on the respective icon. This may be Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari.
Wireless Router Access
If you're traveling or working on your laptop away from home, a wireless connection will be your best option for Internet access. Most laptops manufactured today have a built-in antenna to pic up a Wi-Fi signal. Older models may not have this feature. Typically many restaurants, hotels and other small businesses have free Wi-Fi available for patrons, while others may require a fee. Your computer's operating system will alert you to a Wi-Fi signal in the area if available. When prompted with the signal notification, click on your web browser and access the Internet.
You may also use a wireless router in your home and follow the same process to log on to the Internet after you've properly installed your wireless router-per the instructions provided from your Internet service provider or manufacturer.
Cellular Card Access
Today, many cellular phones or smart-phones have a web browser or Internet service available through a cellphone provider. This feature is also available for your laptop through use of a cellular card and provided through your cellphone provider. You will be able to access the Internet anywhere you can get a cellphone signal, whether you are traveling in a vehicle or at home. You must have this service added to your cell plan and have a cellular card which plugs into a USB port on your laptop. The card is provided by your cellphone provider once you purchase or upgrade to the specific plan which allows this type of service.
