How to Connect to Wi-Fi Networks
Wi-Fi enables you to connect your computer to the Internet, without any cables. This is highly convenient, as you do not have to remain glued to your computer at a particular location, for accessing the Internet. Wi-Fi is in fact, one of the best options for connecting to the Internet, when using a laptop computer. This and many other such advantages make the question, 'how to connect to Wi-Fi?', very important. For older computers, you may need to follow a few steps to connect to Wi-Fi, though for newer laptops, you will find that the wireless connection is continuously on, unless you yourself switch it off.
Connecting to Wi-Fi in Older Computers
In older computers, you need to go to Internet options and select the wireless connections option. You may also have to set up the connection, with the Wireless Internet Connection wizard. For doing so, you can go to the Start menu and go to Network Connection. Here, you will find the link to Internet connection. Once you click on the wireless connections icon, the list of available networks, you can connect to will be displayed. Some of them will require you to enter a password.
How to Connect to a Wi-Fi Network
Generally, for connecting to a Wi-Fi network, you do not have to go through a large number of steps. As already mentioned, in newer laptops, you will find that the wireless connection is already enabled. This is generally indicated with a green LED signifying wireless connections enabled, below your computer screen or on your keyboard. Many people often find that the wireless connection in their computers is not enabled. The reason to this may be because the drivers for wireless connectivity have not been installed in your computer. When your wireless is activated, you will find the Wi-Fi icon on your taskbar. Double click on the icon and find out the available networks. Once you find a network, simply connect to it. However, you may be required to enter the SSID (Service Set Identifier) password to connect to the network.
How to Connect to Wi-Fi Hot Spots?
Generally, Wi-Fi hot spots do not require you to enter a password. You can simply connect to the Internet using these services. The most important step in connecting to a hotspot, is locating one such location. Simply find out one such location and switch on your laptop. You will see the option 'Wireless network available' popping up at the bottom right hand corner. Simply click on it, and find the wireless networks available. Try connecting to one of them. If you are requested to enter a password, then may be, you can try the other networks. If you have the password, i.e., if the service provider has displayed the password for open internet access, you can connect to the world wide web using that network itself.
As you must have already realized by now, connecting to Wi-Fi is not a difficult task. The process is indeed very simple. However, if you do not find the option for Wi-Fi popping up, go to the network connections setup and complete the wizard for setting up the wireless connection. If in case, you do not find the option for setting up a wireless network, then you may have to activate it. For doing so, you will have to refer to the manual that came along with your computer.
