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78 Setting Up and Using Networks
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows
Vista™ Operating System
1
Click
Start
→
Connect To
→
Set up a connection or network
.
2
Select an option under
Choose a connection option
.
3
Click
Next
, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a series of interconnected computers
that communicate with each other over the air waves rather than through a
network cable connected to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio
communications device called an access point or wireless router connects
network computers and provides Internet, or network access. The access
point or wireless router and the wireless network card in the computer
communicate by broadcasting data from their antennas over the air waves.
What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection
Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to
your WLAN
• A network cable with a network (RJ-45) connector
Checking Your Wireless Network Card
Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the
computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has
a wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use:
•The
Device Manager
• The order confirmation for your computer
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