Wireless Devices
You need a device with wireless capabilities to connect to the Internet. These include tablet PCs like the Motorola Xoom and gaming consoles like the Sony PlayStation 3. Check your device's manual to make sure your device has a wireless network card. Most manufacturers configure their wireless devices to automatically detect and connect to a wireless network whenever one is in range.
Wireless Cards in Computers
It's nearly impossible to find a new laptop computer for sale without a wireless card, but if your laptop dates from before the mid 2000s you can determine if it has the needed hardware easily through Windows. Click "Start" and click "Control Panel." In Windows Vista and Windows 7, click "Hardware and Sound" and then "Device Manager." In Windows XP, you can click "Device Manager" directly in the Control Panel. Scroll through the list of devices to "Network Adapter" and expand the group to see a list of devices. A device with a "b," "g" or "n" beside it is a wireless network adapter. If one is present, you can use your computer to connect to wireless networks.
It's nearly impossible to find a new laptop computer for sale without a wireless card, but if your laptop dates from before the mid 2000s you can determine if it has the needed hardware easily through Windows. Click "Start" and click "Control Panel." In Windows Vista and Windows 7, click "Hardware and Sound" and then "Device Manager." In Windows XP, you can click "Device Manager" directly in the Control Panel. Scroll through the list of devices to "Network Adapter" and expand the group to see a list of devices. A device with a "b," "g" or "n" beside it is a wireless network adapter. If one is present, you can use your computer to connect to wireless networks.
Home Networks
A wireless device is half of the basic equation for using wireless Internet; you still need an Internet connection or network. In your home, this can be a wireless high-speed modem or a wireless router connected to a high-speed modem. There are a few different configurations for a wireless home network, but connecting to it is always the same. When your laptop or device is in range, you'll be able to see the network listed. Windows systems have a wireless connectivity icon in the system tray, beside the clock. On XP, the wireless icon looks like a little satellite; in Windows Vista and Windows 7, it's a series of bars. Click the icon to see your home wireless network. If you have set a password, you'll be asked to enter it.
A wireless device is half of the basic equation for using wireless Internet; you still need an Internet connection or network. In your home, this can be a wireless high-speed modem or a wireless router connected to a high-speed modem. There are a few different configurations for a wireless home network, but connecting to it is always the same. When your laptop or device is in range, you'll be able to see the network listed. Windows systems have a wireless connectivity icon in the system tray, beside the clock. On XP, the wireless icon looks like a little satellite; in Windows Vista and Windows 7, it's a series of bars. Click the icon to see your home wireless network. If you have set a password, you'll be asked to enter it.
Networks in the Wider World
You'll find wireless networks in airport, hotel lobbies, on buses in and between some cities, on trains, in coffee shops and -- sometimes -- on the beach. Your connectivity depends on the strength of your network adapter and the strength of the network signal. When your device detects a network, try to connect to it. Some networks are password protected and you won't be able to access them, but most public networks are open and don't require a password.
You'll find wireless networks in airport, hotel lobbies, on buses in and between some cities, on trains, in coffee shops and -- sometimes -- on the beach. Your connectivity depends on the strength of your network adapter and the strength of the network signal. When your device detects a network, try to connect to it. Some networks are password protected and you won't be able to access them, but most public networks are open and don't require a password.
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