Locating Networks With The Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™ Network Locator - Dell Inspiron 545 MT User Manual

Update your software.
Use a firewall.
Disable file and print
sharing.
Configure your
Windows network
security settings for a
Public Place.
Subscribe to a Virtual
Private Network
(VPN) or secure
hotspot wireless
service provider.
Do not access online
financial websites
from a public WLAN.
Locating Networks With the Dell Wi-Fi Catcher™
Network Locator
Your computer may include a wireless switch. To find out if your computer
has a wireless switch and where it is located, refer to the "About Your
Computer" section of your documentation.
166
Networks (LAN, Wireless, Mobile Broadband)
Before using public wireless networks, update your operating
system and security software with the latest security patches
and virus information.
If you are using the Windows Vista or Windows XP operating
system, ensure that the Windows firewall feature is enabled.
See "Using a Firewall to Secure Your Computer" on page 255.
If your operating system does not include a firewall, purchase
and install an integrated Internet security software package
or, at a minimum, standalone firewall software.
Disable file and print sharing before using a public Wi-Fi
network connection:
Click Start → Control Panel.
1
2
Double click the Security Center icon, then click the
Windows Firewall option.
3
Select the Exceptions tab on the Windows Firewall
Settings dialog box.
4
Uncheck File and Printer Sharing and then click OK.
When you first connect to a wireless network, your computer
requires you to specify the type of network, and then
configures the firewall settings accordingly. For a public, non-
secure network, you should select the
If you use public wireless access frequently, subscribe to a
Virtual Private Network (VPN) service or secure hotspot
wireless service.
Even if you follow the preceding guidelines, do not access
online banking or brokerage websites when using a public
WLAN.
Public Place
option.