A laptop equipped with Wi-Fi technology lets you connect to the Internet from any remote location within range of a Wi-Fi wireless network. You don't need any cables to plug into ethernet ports or phone jacks to secure Internet access. This enables you to take your laptop to any location with public Wi-Fi access, meaning a wireless network not security-encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. You'll find free Wi-Fi access at many businesses that cater to lingering customers, such as coffee shops, bakeries and motels. Just follow these steps to use your Wi-Fi laptop and transform the corner coffee shop into your own office.
Instructions
1. Power up the laptop and wait for the main screen to appear.
2. Turn on the laptop's Wi-Fi switch, typically located on the left or right edge of the laptop near the front of the computer. Look for a small, sliding switch.
3. View the wireless networks in range of your laptop by double clicking on the Wi-Fi icon in the lower right-hand corner of your laptop screen. The icon resembles a computer monitor with three curved lines, like radio waves, emanating from the side.
4. Check the list of available wireless networks and select the network with the strongest signal. The signal strength is represented by several bars next to the name of each network. The more bars you see, the stronger the signal. Choose a network that you can access---either your own Internet connection at home or the office, or the Wi-Fi wireless network connection available for free in some restaurants, coffee shops, motels and other businesses that offer Wi-Fi to their customers.
5. Select a wireless network and click the "Connect" button.
6. Enter the code for accessing the network if prompted to do so. For example, if you are staying at a motel that offers Wi-Fi access to guests, the code will be supplied to you at check-in, or you can call the front desk to obtain it. Most systems require you to enter the code twice.
7. Wait for the window to display a message that the Wi-Fi is connected.
8. Open your Web browser, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Tags: wireless network, Wi-Fi access, your laptop, businesses that, coffee shops