Using an Internet service provider (ISP)

Before you can connect to the Internet, you must establish an ISP account. Contact a local ISP to purchase Internet service and a modem. The ISP can help set up the modem, install a network cable to connect your wireless computer to the modem, and test the Internet service.

NOTE: Your ISP will give you a user ID and password to access the Internet. Record this information and store it in a safe place.

Identifying wireless and network status icons

Icon

Name

Description

 

 

 

 

Wireless (connected)

Indicates that one or more wireless devices are on.

 

 

 

 

Network Connection

Indicates that the wired network is connected and active. If both

 

(connected)

wired and wireless connections are active, the operating system

 

 

uses the wired connection because it is faster.

 

 

 

 

Network Connection

Indicates that wired and wireless networks are not connected.

 

(disconnected)

 

 

 

 

Creating a wireless connection

Your computer may be equipped with one or more of the following wireless devices:

●Wireless local area network (WLAN) device

●Bluetooth® device

Turning wireless devices on and off

Using the wireless button

Use the wireless button to turn both the wireless network controller and the Bluetooth controller off or on simultaneously. They can be controlled individually through Control Center or Computer Setup.

NOTE: See Getting to know your computer on page 4 for information on identifying the type and location of the wireless button on your computer.

Using the operating system controls

To enable or disable a wireless or wired network device:

1.Right-click the Network Connection icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

2.To enable or disable one of the following devices, select or clear one of the following options:

●Enable Networking (all network devices)

●Enable Wireless

20 Chapter 3 Networking