Setting Up and Using Networks 89
Setting Up a Network in the Microsoft Windows Vista® Operating System
1
Click the Windows Vista Start button,
,
and then click
Connect To
→
Set up a connection or network
.
2
Select an option under
Choose a connection option
.
3
Click
Next
, and then follow the instructions in the wizard.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with
each other over the air waves rather than through a network cable connected
to each computer. In a WLAN, a radio communications device called an
access point or wireless router connects network computers and provides
Internet, or network, access. The access point or wireless router and the
wireless network card in the computer communicate by broadcasting data
from their antennas over the air waves.

What You Need to Establish a WLAN Connection

Before you can set up a WLAN, you need:
• High-speed (broadband) Internet access (such as cable or DSL)
• A broadband modem that is connected and working
• A wireless router or access point
• A wireless network card for each computer that you want to connect to
your WLAN
• Network cable with the network (RJ-45) connector

Checking Your Wireless Network Card

Depending on what you selected when you purchased your computer, the
computer has a variety of configurations. To confirm that your computer has
a wireless network card and to determine the type of card, use one of the
following:
• The
Start
button and the
Connect To
option
• The order confirmation for your computer
book.book Page 89 Wednesday, August 13, 2008 12:12 PM