Using an Internal Wireless Card

• 1). Check to see if your laptop has a wireless card. Newer laptops generally have the cards already installed. The easiest way to find out is to look for a switch on the front or sides of the laptop or a button near the keyboard. Some computers need you to press a function key or check the Network Preferences. If you can't find any of these options, chances are you don't have a card installed. After purchasing one, go to Section Two to find out how to get Internet service on a laptop using an internal wireless card.
  
  
• 2). Turn the wireless card on. If you're not sure if the card is on, look for the light near the switch or key that turns the wireless card on. There may even be a wireless icon that lights up on the computer screen.
  
  
• 3). In Windows, at the bottom right corner of the screen, look for a tray icon that resembles two monitors on top of each other. There should be an 'X', which indicates you don't have a default connection set up for you are currently not connected. On Macs, the wireless connection signal is in the upper right corner, near the time and volume indicators, and looks like a vertical wave form.
  
  
• 4). Click the monitor icon and a small window pops up. If you hover the mouse over the icon, then it may say "Wireless Networks Available".
  
  
• 5). Select "Connect or Disconnect" and another window will appear listing the wireless networks in range of your wireless card.
  
  
• 6). Find your network and select it with the mouse. After it connects, and if this is the first time you've connect to the network, you are given the option to make it your default connection. If you do, then you shouldn't have to go through these steps again; the computer will automatically access the wireless network.
  
  

Using an External Wireless Card

• 1). Unpack the wireless card and locate the software. Whether you purchases a USB adapter or PCI adapter, the instructions are the same.
  
  
• 2). Insert the disc and run the setup program. The software will tell you when to insert/connect the wireless card.
  
  
• 3). After the card is configured, go to Section 1 and start at Step 3 to get Internet on a laptop using a wireless card.