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Setting Up and Using Networks 53
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 one of the following:
•The
Start
button and the
Connect To
option
• The order confirmation for your computer
Start Button and Connect To Option
In Microsoft Windows XP
, click
Start
→
Connect To
→
Show all connections
.
In Microsoft Windows Vista
, click
Start
→
Connect To
→
View network computers and devices
.
If Wireless Network Connection does not appear under LAN or High-Speed Internet, you may not
have a wireless network card.
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed
information about the wireless network card:
1
Right-click
Wireless Network Connection
.
2
Click
Properties
.
The
Wireless Network Connection Properties
window appears. The wireless network card’s
name and model number are listed on the
General
tab.
NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections
by clicking the Start
→
Settings
→
Network Connections. If Wireless Network Connection does not
appear, you may not have a wireless network card.
The Order Confirmation for Your Computer
The order confirmation that you received when you ordered your computer lists the hardware and
software that shipped with your computer.
Setting Up a New WLAN Using a Wireless Router and a Broadband Modem
1
Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) to obtain specific information about the
connection requirements for your broadband modem.
2
Ensure that you have wired Internet access through your broadband modem before you
attempt to set up a wireless Internet connection (see "Connecting a Network or Broadband
Modem Cable" on page 51).
3
Install any software required for your wireless router. Your wireless router may have been
shipped with an installation media. Installation media usually contain installation and
troubleshooting information. Install the required software according to the instructions
provided by the router manufacturer.
4
Shut down your computer and any other wireless-enabled computers in the vicinity through
the
Start
or menu.