Compaq Presario M2000 manual Connecting to a Public WLAN, Using Wireless Security Features

Wireless (Select Models Only)

Connecting to a Public WLAN

Contact your ISP or search the Web for a list of public WLANs near you. Web sites that list public WLANs include Cisco Hotspot Locator, Hotspotlist, and Geektools.

When you are within range of a public WLAN, a Wireless Network Connection interactive message is displayed at the bottom of your computer screen. Check with each public WLAN location for cost and connection requirements.

Using Wireless Security Features

When you set up your home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always ensure that security features are protecting the WLAN. If you do not enable security on your WLAN, an unauthorized wireless user can access your data and use your Internet connection without your knowledge.

The most common security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)-Personal and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). In addition to enabling WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption on the router, you may want to use one or more of the following security measures:

■Change the default network name (SSID) and password.

■Use a firewall.

■Set security on your Web browser.

■Enable MAC address filtering on the router.

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