Setting up Wi-Fi

How to set up Wi-Fi

1. Install the the driver software , insert the disk that came with the adapter or download the current driver from the manufacturers website, run the setup program and follow the instructions.

2. Install the adapter , now it's time to insert the WLAN card or plug in the usb stick. Wait until the light/lights go on before you click the next button, the software in "most" cases will ask for the country the WLAN adapter. this is for legal reasons as some countries reserve channels for military /official uses.

3. Select configuration software , most adapters come with their own configuration software, in almost every case it's advisable to use this over the Zero Configuration Wizard from Microsoft.

4. Enter a network name , Now you should be prompted for the name of the wireless network you wish to connect to, this name is also called the SSID ( service set identifier ) or ESSID ( extended service set identifier). In some cases you may be presented with a list of SSID's , networks within your area that have not been properly secured , select "your" SSID

5. Set encryption , select the type of encryption to be used within your LAN ( local area network ) this may be WEP, WPA or WPA2 and whether you wish to enter it as plain text, ASCII or hexadecimal. In almost all cases the passwords are case sensitive !

6. Save settings , the configuration software bundled with your hardware should allow you to save these settings to a profile and it's a good idea to do so as it saves re-entering them each time after connecting to another WLAN

7. Keep upto date , make sure you have an up-to-date version of your adapters driver particularly if you wish to use WPA2 the strongest encryption available ( check the manufacturers website ). I personally advise not updating your hardwares firmware unless it resolves a persistant bug or adds new "useful" features to your hardware . CAUTION follow the instructions for instaling ANY upgrades as you may damage your hardware if the proceedure isn't carried out to the letter !


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