WiFi networks exist in homes, businesses, parks, coffee shops, airports, and just about everywhere else. Whether you need access to a free hotspot to check email, or you’re connecting to a corporate WLAN to get access to a Windows file server you can use these same basic methods for accessing the network.
Wireless Security
Before you connect you need to know if there is any security information required for the connection. This can be a username and password, or simply a wireless key or passphrase. The most common security mechanisms are WEP and WPA/WPA2. WPA2 is the only mechanism still considered secure because the other protocols have been hacked and vulnerabilities have been exposed.
If you’re connecting at a coffee shop, hotel, or airport there is probably no security, but if there is then someone at the business should be able to provide the security key for you. The key may be something simple like “wireless”, or it may be a strange code like “13fad948bbac”.
One way to see if you’ll need a security key is simply by trying to connect. If it allows you through then you don’t need a wireless security key (you still may need a username/password), but if it needs a wireless security key your client device will generally prompt you for that.
How to Connect
The method for connecting depends on what kind of client device you’re using; when in doubt, check out the manual for your device. If an open (no wireless security key) network exists within range, many devices will automatically prompt you to connect so you may not need these procedures. If you don’t get a prompt, or if you’re connecting to a secured network, here are some common devices and methods:
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Windows XP (any type of hardware, including Dell, Gateway, etc)
Right-click the network connection icon (single-computer with wireless waves) in the notification area (bottom right of the screen), and then click View Available Wireless Networks.- In the screen that pops up you should see one or more networks listed with their signal-strength on the right. If you don’t see anything then you’ll need to troubleshoot; either your wireless adapter is not working, or your not within range of any networks.
- Select the network that you want to connect to and hit Connect.
- If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
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Windows 7 (any type of hardware, including Dell, Gateway, etc) - This procedure is similar to Windows XP
- Open the “Connect to a Network” menu by clicking the network icon (
or 
) in the notification area (bottom-right of screen). - In the menu that pops up you should see one or more networks listed with their signal-strength on the right. If you don’t see anything then you’ll need to troubleshoot; either your wireless adapter is not working, or your not within range of any networks.
- In the list of networks, click a network name, and then click Connect.
- If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
- Open the “Connect to a Network” menu by clicking the network icon (
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Apple Mac (Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, etc)
Click on the WiFi (Airport) icon in the top right menu on your Mac, it looks like a set of expanding waves (like our WiFi How To Logo).- You should then see a list of available networks and their signal strength listed on the right. If you don’t see anything then you’ll need to troubleshoot; either your wireless adapter is not working, or your not within range of any networks. Make sure that Airport is “on” (Airport is the name of the wireless adapter).
- Click the network that you want to connect to.
- If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
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Apple iPhone
Go to the home screen of your phone, or wherever you might have moved the settings icon to, and click on the settings icon.- Tap Wi-Fi to view the list of available networks
- Tap on the network that you want to connect to.
- If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
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Apple iPad
- Guess what – the procedure is the same as the iPhone – see above.
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Blackberry Phones
The procedure will vary a little depending on phone model, but the basics should be the same- Go to your home screen, then click on the Manage Connections icon
- Click Set Up Wi-Fi Network.
- Click Scan for Networks. Click a network to connect to it. If you don’t see any listed then you’re probably not in range of any APs.
- Follow the remaining instructions. If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
- You can optionally save the network to automatically connect to it next time.
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Android Phones or Tablets
Locate the Settings icon and tap it- Tap the Wireless & networks option
- Tap on WiFi settings
- If WiFi isn’t turned on (it should have a green check-mark), tap the check-mark to turn it on.
- The available networks should be listed at the bottom of the screen. If you don’t see any listed then you’re probably not in range of any APs.
- Tap on the network that you want to connect to.
- If it prompts you for a network key then type in the one provided to you. If you don’t know what it is then you should ask whoever manages the network that you’re connecting to.
Connect to the Internet
Once you’re on the WiFi network you should open up a web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc) and attempt to go to a webpage. Many public WiFi networks require you to log in via your web browser, even if just to accept the terms of use. Once you’ve verified that you have internet access you can go on with your tasks such as checking email and using online apps. Have fun!