Making Wireless Connections; To Prepare For Connections (Windows Xp) - HP Notebook PC Reference Manual

Making Wireless Connections

If your computer includes a wireless on-off button—located on the right side of the front
of the computer—you can connect by radio to a wireless local area network (LAN) and
access computers and other resources on the network.
A wireless network provides all the functions of a typical "wired" network, but also
provides for "roaming." Since your computer connects to the network by radio rather
than through cables, you can move from place to place within the network—from your
office to a conference room, for example—and remain on the network the entire time.

To prepare for connections (Windows XP)

Before you can connect your computer to a particular 802.11 wireless network, you have
to configure the computer for the specific wireless connection.
Connecting to an Existing Wireless Network
You can connect to an access point that gives you access to a local area network, or you
can connect directly to other computers in an "adhoc" network.
1. Right-click the wireless network connection icon in the taskbar, and then select View
Available Wireless Networks from the pop-up menu.
2. A list of available networks appears. Select the network you want, enter the
encryption key if required, and click Connect.
If the network you want is not on the list, click Advanced, Configure, and enter the
required network parameters. If the network is not using 802.1x authentication
protocol, clear the automatic key option.
3. On the General tab, edit network settings as needed for your local network. See your
network administrator. You can also display an icon in the taskbar when connected to
a network.
4. On the Wireless Networks tab, view the wireless networks available within range.
Each network SSID is listed. Click the network you want and click Configure.
Modem and Network Connections
Making Wireless Connections
Reference Guide 69