set up laptop for wireless

[Mr P Cannop]

can any one help me how do i set up a laptop for wireless ??

[davem]

Does it have a wireless adapter in it already?

[Mr P Cannop]

not sure its for my xmas

[NickInTheNorth]

Is that a new laptop? If so then it needs to include a wireless network capabilty (most new ones do) but do check. And you will need a wireless router or wireless access point. Who is your internet connection with?

[changilass]

I got 'my man that does' in to do mine, and a good job he did too

[Mr_Me19]

If its a new laptop and its already installed then there is probably an option somewhere in the start menu or the tray. It will give you a list of avaliable networks. Choose the one you want to connect to. Enter your key. Click OK and your good to go. If its an external one then plug it in (if its USB then you can do it while the computer is on). Then follow the above steps.

[Mr P Cannop]

its got a card thing inside it

[davem]

Excellent, if you have wireless broadband already (otherwise you need a wireless router) you just click your network when it asks you to connect to available networks. You might have to put in a number for the network key, so that only people you want can use your network.
You really shouldn't have a problem once you have it in front of you.

[Mr P Cannop]

whats a network key ??

[davem]

If you have a private network it is a number that you type in to unlock the coded wireless so only you use the network and not anyone just passing. Like I said once you are set up it's simple and easy to understand, only seems complicated before you actually have it.

[Mr_Me19]

The network key is usually generated for you, or is somewhere on your router. I know that for the BT HomeHub it is printed on the back. But on other it is generated for you.

[Mr P Cannop]

got that but can't connect to the internet so will have to call the pc man tomorrow

[JammyDodger69]

Alot of the new laptops have the wireless switched off as a default, Check to see if there is a switch on it to turn the wireless on.. failing that, have a look on the key board for a Ariel symbol or antenna, usually blue, if it has it, press and hold the FN key while holding down the key with the symbol on it, this will turn it on.

[Mr P Cannop]

thanks for all your help and time am now on my laptop