Getting started

Most notebook computers now come with wireless capabilities included so you don't need to add anything to your system. Desktop computers and older notebooks need to have a wireless adapter added to work wirelessly.

Wireless Standards

IEEE, which is the standards body for networking, has codified different wireless standards, notated as a, b, g and n. Both the wireless adapter in your system and your wireless router need to work on the same standards.

Choosing an Adapter

The type of available slot in your desktop or notebook will determine what kind of adapter you get. Notebooks use either PC Card or ExpressCard adapters, which slide into a slot on the side of the system. Desktop systems use ISA, PCI or PCI-Express adapters. Most desktop systems today use either PCI or PCI-Express. You need to open the case and look to see which kind of adapter you need.

Installation

Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to install the wireless network adapter into your system. Replace your current router with the wireless router. If you do not have a router and are going wireless to keep from being tethered to your cable or DSL modem, unplug the modem from your computer and plug it into the WAN/Internet port on your new wireless router.

Setup

Many of the current wireless networking products have automatic setup features that handle all of the settings, both basic and security, at the push of a button. If that isn't the case, you need to go into the router's software and set it up manually, then set up the card in the same way so the two will talk to each other.

Security

Wireless security is extremely important. If you have an unsecured network, anybody can connect to it without needing a password and can get access to your files and personal information. They can also connect to the Internet and use your bandwidth without paying. Use the most advanced security protocols supported by your adapter and router. If your equipment supports automatic setup, this will be done automatically.

Source:

Intel