3 Networking

Your computer may support one or both of the following types of Internet access:

●Wireless—For mobile Internet access, you can use a wireless connection. See Connecting to an existing WLAN on page 15 or Setting up a new WLAN on page 15.

●Wired—You can access the Internet by connecting to a wired network. For information on connecting to a wired network, see Connecting to a wired network on page 17.

NOTE: Internet hardware and software features vary depending on computer model and your location.

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.

14 Chapter 3 Networking