To set up wireless networking on your Laptop/computer you will need a wireless networking adaptor/PCI card. By far the most popular method is to use a USB wireless adapter as it is more flexible.

Two types of devices are available. One plugs direct into the USB port and looks like a standard flash drive. The other has a short (1-2metre) cable attached which means that you can adjust its position to get the best signal strength.

You will normally receive a CD with your adaptor and installation instructions. generally you will need to run a setup program from the CD and then Insert the USB device into the computer and then follow the new hardware wizard.

Once installed the new adaptor will usually try to locate surrounding networks. You will see a wireless icon on the system tray and normally a pop up telling you if it connected and the connection speed. Placing the mouse over the icon will also produce a Pop-Up box informing you of the status of the wireless network connection.

Connecting to a Wireless Network

Normally the connection will be established automatically and you will see the active network connection in the system tray
, but if it cannot connect for some reason then an inactive icon appears
and you require to manually connect.

To connect right click the icon in the system tray and select view available wireless networks from the menu.

You will see a list of networks and all you need to do is highlight the network of choice and click connect. You may notice from the above screenshot that the network is unsecured.

What this means is that anyone can access the network access point and use it. If you live in a built up area or near a street anyone in the neighbourhood can use your access point either intentionally or accidentally. It also means that data you send over the connection can be viewed by anyone with the right equipment.

It is recommended that you use a secure wireless connection . However this involves changes both at the connection point and at the client machines. See
How to Setup A Secure Wireless Network for details.

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