With every iteration of Windows, Microsoft improves the ease in which we
connect to wireless networks. However there are still some of us that are
baffled by the steps necessary to connect to wireless networks and the
configuration steps necessary.That's why in this guide I will show you step-by-step how to connect to a
wireless network using Windows 7.
Wireless Networks Surround Us
One of the first things that you will notice when you follow the steps in
this guide is that there are a lot of wireless networks out there, however this
doesn't mean you should connect to them because you could be compromising your
computer's security.
Public Wireless Networks Are Unsafe
The biggest problem encountered by users that connect to public unencrypted
networks is that someone can hijack your connection and see what you are
transferring over the airwaves.
To put it simply - if a network is public and does not have encryption,
avoid it. Now that you've been warned about the dangers of connecting to public
networks, I can show you how to connect to wireless networks using Windows 7.
View Available Wireless Networks & Connect
1. To view a list of available wireless networks click the
Wireless Networking icon in the Notification area on the left side of the Taskbar.
Note: If the network you are trying to connect to is not
listed, the router may not be broadcasting the network's SSID (wireless
network's name). If this is the case refer to your router's documentation to
determine the steps necessary to enabled SSID broadcasting.
A Word About Signal Strength
You will also notice that each wireless network has a signal strength
indicator that provides a visual guide to determine the strength of the
wireless signal. All green bars means Excellent signal, one bar equals poor
signal.
2. Once you identify the network you wish to connect to
from the list, click on the network name and then click
Connect.
Note: Before you connect to the network you will have an
opportunity to check
Connect Automatically so that your
computer will automatically connect to the network when in range.
If the network you are trying to connect to is unsecured, meaning that a
password is not required to connect to the network, you should be able to
access the internet and other network resources right away. However, if the
network is secured you will need to follow the step below to connect.
Secured Networks Require Authentication
If you are connecting to a secured wireless network you will
have two options to authenticate. You can enter the required password or if
your router supports it you can use the Secure Easy Setup button on the router.
Option 1 - Enter Password
1. When prompted enter the password for the router you are
connecting to. To view the characters in the text field uncheck Hide
characters.
This is especially useful if the password is long and
complex.
Note: As soon as you enter a character in the password field
you will not be able to use Secure Easy Setup to connect to the router.
2. Click OK to connect.
Option 2 - Secure Easy Setup
1. When prompted to enter the password, walk over to the
router and press the Secure Easy Setup button on the router. After a couple of
seconds the computer should connect to the wireless network.
Note: If Secure Easy Setup does not work, try again. If it
is still not working it may be disabled on your router. Consult the router's
instruction manual in order to enable and configure the feature.
You should now be connected to the wireless network. Learn
more about sharing files and managing wireless network profiles.
