Compaq 383161-001 Laptop User Manual


 
Wireless (Select Models Only)
Hardware and Software Guide 5–7
Connecting to a Public WLAN
Contact your ISP or search the Web for a list of public WLANs
near you. Web sites that list public WLANs include Cisco
Hotspot Locator, Hotspotlist, and Geektools.
When you are within range of a public WLAN, a Wireless
Network Connection interactive message is displayed at the
bottom of your computer screen. Check with each public WLAN
location for cost and connection requirements.
Using Wireless Security Features
When you set up your home WLAN or access an existing public
WLAN, always ensure that security features are protecting the
WLAN. If you do not enable security on your WLAN, an
unauthorized wireless user can access your data and use your
Internet connection without your knowledge.
The most common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access
(WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). In
addition to enabling WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption
on the router, you may want to use one or more of the following
security measures:
Change the default network name (SSID) and password.
Use a firewall.
Set security on your Web browser.
Enable MAC address filtering on the router.