Surf Without Wires

In order to get to wire-less you need to be wired first; meaning that you need an internet provider and a modem installed and always on broadband service. Most laptops are wireless ready and have wireless capability built in.

You need to purchase a wireless router and just make sure it is a wireless broadband router. Next plug the power supply of the router into a wall outlet. When the power indicator is on, search for the router using your wireless network list. You will see the brand name of the router listed here, for example "Linksys". Click on the router's name, because it is time to configure your router. Plug the Ethernet cable that came with the router into one of the four ports in the back and the other end of the cable into your laptop. Open a browser window and type in the router web address, your instruction manual for your router will give you their specific address if different. Click on Basic Wireless Settings.

If you are unsure if you are using "B" or "G" mode, leave that setting as mixed. There is also a field for you to name your network. If you are choosing to not enable security, you do not need to complete any other fields. Next, click on the link for ‘Wireless Security'. Choose WEP and type in a pass phrase, or a password that you and other computer users on your network will use to log on. There will also be a button to generate "keys" or additional encryption, click that and 4 codes will generate randomly. It is a good idea to copy these and paste them into a word document if you are going to set up additional users or if you need to reset your own computer on this network again. When this is completed, Click on "save settings", close your browser window and unplug the Ethernet cable from your computer. At this time you can click on your wireless icon in your system tray and locate the new network you just renamed and setup. You will be prompted for a pass phrase.

You are now connected with your router but there are a few additional steps to get us surfing "wireless" on the internet. Plug the internet cable from the modem into the back of the router port labeled, ‘Internet' or ‘WAN' and unplug the power source for the modem. and leave unplugged for about two minutes to fully reset. Plug it back in, open a browser window, type in the address of the router used before to configure, find the status field and there should be an IP address other than 000.000.000.000, which means- you are now set up and ready to surf- WIRELESSLY!