How to Connect to a wireless network easily

If you have a laptop or a PC with a wireless network adapter, you can see a list of available wireless networks and then connect to one of those networks. The wireless networks will only appear if your PC has a wireless network adapter installed, the adapter is turned on, and the wireless access point is in range.

1. Click the wireless network icon  in the notification area.
2. In the list of wireless networks, click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
3. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.
   

To view and connect to wireless networks in Windows Vista

1. Open Connect to a Network by clicking the Start button  and then clicking Connect to.
2. In the Show list, click Wireless.
3. Click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
4. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.
   If you don't see the network you want to connect to, click Set up a connection or network. A list of options will appear that includes manually searching for and connecting to a network, as well as creating a new network connection.

To view and connect to wireless networks in Windows XP

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Network and Internet Connections, and then click Network Connections.
2. In the left pane, under Network Tasks, click View available wireless networks.
   

   Note

   If you don't see the network you want to connect to, click Refresh network list. If you see the network but the signal is weak, move the PC closer to the wireless router.
3. Click the network you want to connect to, and then click Connect.
4. If you're connecting to a secure network, type the security key, and then click OK.
   
   
   
   

   Warning

   Whenever possible, you should connect to security-enabled wireless networks. If you do connect to a network that's not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords that you use. Changing your network location to Public can help minimize the risk.
   
   

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