| Connection to a wireless Internet network on site is simply, says Julian Prokaza |
1 Provided that your computer's Wi-Fi adapter is enabled, whenever you're within range of a Wi-Fi network, the Wi-Fi icon in the 'Windows notification area' should alert you to this fact. Just click the yellow message balloon to continue. If you don't see a message, try double-clicking the Wi-Fi icon itself. |
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2 The Windows 'Wi-Fi network selection' dialog box will appear. Scroll through the list of nearby wireless networks to find the one you want to connect to; click 'Refresh network list' at the top left of the window if you can't see the one you want. Click the desired network to select it, and then click the 'Connect' button. |
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3 If you're connecting to
a commercial hotspot (for example CC sites), open your web browser and enter your subscription details in the web page that appears. For other types of hotspot, you may need to enter a 'network key' (a password); ask the hotspot provider for this. For most hotspots, that's all there is to it (go to Step 6). |
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4 Some Wi-Fi networks hide their names (the 'SSID') for an extra layer of security. To join this type of network, click the 'Change advanced settings' option at the left of the dialog box that appears in Step 2. A 'Wi-Fi properties' dialog box will appear – click the 'Wireless networks' tab, then click the 'Add' button. |
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5 You'll need to know the SSID and the type of security the network uses before you can connect. Type the SSID into the appropriate box, select the security type from the 'Network authentication' and 'Data encryption' drop-down lists, and if necessary, enter the network key (the password). Click 'OK' when you're done. |
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6 Once you've connected to a wireless network, the icon in the 'Notification area' will display a pop-up message to that effect. Check the connection status by holding the mouse pointer over the icon. For a commercial hotspot, always disconnect from the network in your web browser when you've finished. |
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See the May 2008 issue of the magazine for this feature article in full.
Back issues can be ordered by telephone on 08456 777812 |
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You need a computer with a Wi-Fi adapter to connect to a wireless network. This will be either a laptop with built-in Wi-Fi, or you can add Wi-Fi to any computer with either a USB Wi-Fi adapter (which just plugs into a USB port) or a Wi-Fi PC card (which only works with laptops).
There are a couple of useful websites worth looking at before you hit the road. The Wireless Directory (Location Hotspots) lists free and commercial hotspots worldwide, while UK Campsite (click here) lists the campsites with Wi-Fi networks.
It's important to have both anti-virus and firewall programs installed and running when you use a public hotspot. Double-check you're connecting to the correct SSID (confirm what this is before you connect); hackers can 'spoof' wireless hotspots to fool you into connecting to them.
Check with the site warden where the best pitches are for Wi-Fi access, because the network is unlikely to cover the entire site. |
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