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Perhaps you've heard about Wi-Fi and you've seen hot spots where you
can hook up to the Internet with a wireless-enabled laptop. You may have even
purchased, or are ready to purchase, a wireless laptop in order to do just
that. Now, your question may be: "Once I have the necessary wireless
equipment, how do I actually get my computer connected to the Internet?"
Well, the process is usually an easy one, but just how easy will depend on the
equipment you have.
If you're using a new Windows XP laptop with built-in wireless
capabilities, the procedure is quite easy. Turn on your computer, then be sure
that the wireless function is turned on. Generally the laptop will have a small
button that toggles the wireless on and off. Sometimes that button can be a bit
hard to find. It's usually on the top near the keyboard, but I have seen
Wi-Fi buttons located on the side or front of the laptop. Check the manual if
you have trouble finding the switch.
Once the Wi-Fi is switched on, you'll see an icon that looks like a
computer in the system tray at the bottom right of the screen. Place the mouse
pointer over the icon. If you have the correct icon, a balloon will pop-up
saying "Wireless Network Connection." Double-click that icon for a
display of all the wireless networks available to you. Select a network, click
on Connect, and you're ready to start your browser and begin surfing.
If you have an older computer with an older operating system or a wireless
PCMCIA or USB card, the process may be a bit more complicated. First check the
system tray for the wireless icon. If you don't see it, click on Start,
then select Control Panel. If your Windows Control Panel is set to category
view, choose Network and Internet Connections, then Network Connections. If
your Control Panel is set to classic view, click on Network or Network
Connections. Once you see the Wireless Connection window, double-click on the
wireless network icon and from the resulting display, select the wireless
connection you want then choose Connect.
If you have trouble connecting, you may have to reset your SSID to the
specific local Wi-Fi provider. To do that, you need to open the Network
Connections window as noted above. Then, under Related Tasks on the left,
select Change the Order of Preferred Networks, then Click on Add. In Network
Name (SSID), type the name for the wireless network you obtained from the
hotel, restaurant, or hotspot provider you wish to use.
If you're in a public place after establishing your wireless network
connection, when you start your Internet browser, it may open to a web page
sponsored by the host of the wireless network. This page will often explain the
terms and conditions of the network use. In some cases you will be expected to
pay, in some cases your access is free.
Payment is usually made to a wireless Internet Service Provider, and the
allowed duration of your connection can vary. For instance, at McDonald's you'll
be asked to pay $2.95 for two hours of use to the Wayport network that services
McDonalds. In Borders bookstores, you will be asked to pay T-Mobile, with
payment options varying from hourly, daily, to monthly plans.
If, like me, you prefer to save your pennies, look for a free Wi-Fi hot
spot. My favorites are Panera and the Atlantic Bread Company. You
can research these and other sites before leaving home to find locations and
connection details. You can also find listings of free wireless hot spots on
the Internet at WiFi Freespot and Wi-FiHotSpotList.com. I've
found free wireless connections in many unsuspecting places, including a
courthouse in Carthage, North Carolina, and a park in New York, so be sure to
use the Internet to scout the area before you are ready to connect.
Wi-Fi is spreading like wildfire. Some cities are even installing Wi-Fi to blanket the entire metropolis. Whether you use it when you travel, or
just like to read the news on your laptop at the local coffee shop, give Wi-Fi
a try. You'll find that it's fun and easy. |
