Wireless Connection Checklist

Before trying to connect to a hotspot, make sure you have the right hardware. Most newer notebooks come with integrated wireless adapters. If you have an Intel Centrino notebook, then you have an 802.11b or 802.11g wireless adapter and should have little trouble connecting to most public hotspots. If you’re not sure, check your device for an 802.11-compliant WLAN (wireless local-area network) adapter.




Some wireless-capable devices state the 802.11-compliance on the bottom or back of the device itself. You can also check to see whether or not you have a wireless adapter by consulting the Device Manager. If you’re using Windows XP, click Start, right-click My Computer, and select Manage. Click Device Manager from the left panel to see a list of the devices installed on your system.

Windows 2000 users can right-click My Computer, click Properties, and then select the Device Manager tab. Look for the Network Adapters item. Click the plus sign in front of the network adapters to expand a list of your installed network devices. You should see a wireless adapter, but if you don’t and your notebook has a PC Card slot, then you can add wireless Internet capabilities with a PC Card or a mini-PCI WLAN card.