| Setting up a wireless adapter for your computer | | | | sure to install your external wireless adapter. This |
| involves the acquisition of a few key components. | | | | is completed by inserting it into your computer's |
| Since you are lacking an integrated wireless card | | | | USB port. |
| that would save you a fair deal of trouble, an | | | | Restart your computer once the installation is |
| external wireless adapter must be purchased. | | | | complete.Establish the settings of your new |
| Also, the software installation disc containing the | | | | wireless adapter after your computer's restart |
| drivers for the adapter must be close at hand, as | | | | process has ended. First, click the "Start" tab in |
| well as the data encryption information for the | | | | Windows and right click on the "Network" option. |
| wireless network you will be joining with your | | | | Hit "Properties" and then choose "Manage |
| adapter, if password protection is applicable. All | | | | Network Connections." Within the "Manage |
| the same, navigation of an autoinstall wizard and | | | | Network Connections" option, you will see your |
| basic software adjustments are the only tasks | | | | new wireless adapter included in the list of |
| holding up project completion. | | | | devices. Highlight it and click "Properties." |
| Obtain an external wireless adapter. Just because | | | | Automate the IP address and DNS server |
| your computer lacks an integrated wireless card | | | | address process. Instead of manually configuring |
| does not mean that an external adapter cannot | | | | these settings, or attempting to gather the |
| fully suit your needs. Most external adapters are | | | | required information yourself, allow the computer |
| simply affairs that plug into the USB port of your | | | | to do so instead. Select "Obtain an IP address |
| desktop or laptop. | | | | automatically" and "Obtain DNS server address |
| Install the necessary software and drivers onto | | | | automatically." Select "OK" to save the changes. |
| your computer to enable your new wireless | | | | Find the "WiFi Connection" icon on your desktop. It |
| adapter device. Your adapter should have shipped | | | | should be located on the bottom right of the |
| with an installation disc that will provide the | | | | desktop tray. After opening this utility, choose the |
| necessary software for your computer; insert | | | | network you wish to join once it populates the list |
| this disc into your computer's drive. Upon insertion | | | | and hit "Configure," inputting the WEP/WPA |
| it should autoplay, and an installation wizard will | | | | password associated with that network, if |
| appear. | | | | applicable. If you do not have a password, you will |
| Follow the simple onscreen instructions to navigate | | | | not be able to join a locked network. |
| the wizard. When prompted by the wizard, be | | | | |