| Do you have a wireless internet connection at | | | | will probably contain the word wireless or WLAN) |
| home, or at the office? Isn't it great? With a | | | | and right-click on it. In the pop-up, select Update |
| wireless connection you can move your laptop | | | | Driver Software. Windows will search the internet |
| from room to room and still access the web and | | | | for the latest version. In case Windows isn't able |
| your email. But keep in mind that by its very | | | | to query for the driver, you can always go to the |
| nature, a wireless connection is slower than a | | | | manufacturer's web site and download a setup |
| wired connection. Having said that, if you're | | | | program for the driver manually. |
| concerned that your wireless internet speed isn't | | | | Upgrade the router's firmware |
| what it should be, there are things you can try to | | | | Just like it's important to keep current on the |
| speed it up | | | | adapter's driver version, the router's software |
| Move the wireless router | | | | may well have updated since you installed it. And |
| Your wireless router is the hub for your wireless | | | | again, this update may well improve performance |
| internet experience. Your wireless signal | | | | or security. The router's firmware can be |
| broadcasts from it, and if it's tucked away in a | | | | upgraded through the router interface. You |
| far corner, you're connection quality can suffer. | | | | access that by typing the router's IP address into |
| Keep in mind, too, that structural elements like | | | | a web browser. Refer to your router's user guide |
| wiring and plumbing can interfere with a wireless | | | | for further instructions. |
| signal. A building's structure, too, can be sufficient | | | | Change the router's broadcast channel |
| to affect wireless performance. Remember you | | | | Other devices such as cell phones, cordless |
| can always check your wireless signal strength by | | | | phones, microwaves or even house wiring can |
| hovering your mouse over the wireless internet | | | | also interfere with the wireless signal. It's for this |
| indicator found in the system tray, near the time | | | | reason that you have the ability to change the |
| of day in the corner of your screen. Generally | | | | channel that the wireless router uses to broadcast |
| speaking, the stronger the signal, the better your | | | | its signal. Frequently, changing the channel on the |
| internet connection. So physically moving the | | | | router will bypass this interference. Again, you |
| router to a more central location - one away | | | | access this feature through the router's web |
| from structural elements - may well help. | | | | browser interface. And again, refer to your |
| Update the wireless driver on your computer | | | | router's user guide for this information. |
| If your driver for your wireless router is out of | | | | Purchase a wireless range expander |
| date, your performance may be enhanced by | | | | If your wireless connection overall is good, but |
| getting the latest version. There's a reason | | | | there are areas in the building where the signal |
| vendors release new drivers. Often it's to address | | | | strength is weak - and you can't move the router |
| performance or security issues. Either way, it's a | | | | to a better location - a wireless range expander |
| good idea to keep it up to date. Fortunately, | | | | may be the solution you need. A wireless range |
| Windows can automatically get the latest driver - | | | | expander will receive the wireless signal from the |
| with just a bit of help from you. Click on your | | | | router and re-broadcast it. The advantage is, the |
| Windows Start button, and then right-click on My | | | | re-broadcast signal will be as strong as the signal |
| Computer (or just Computer for your Vista and | | | | going out from the router. So by installing a |
| Win 7 users). In the pop-up menu, select Manage. | | | | wireless range expander in an area that has "fair" |
| In the resulting Computer Management screen, | | | | or "poor" signal strength, you can improve the |
| click on the plus sign next to Network adapters. | | | | strength in that area to "excellent". |
| Find the entry for your wireless adapter (hint: it | | | | |