Re: First Time Wireless User
- From: "Jonathan L. Parker" <jlparker001@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 02 Jan 2006 22:46:41 GMT
Ryanne&Chase wrote:
I recently aquired my first laptop, and with it a wireless card. I'll be using this computer primarily for school, and my campus has a wireless server. The sales rep thru Dell told me that my wireless card would recognize whenever it was near a server, and be able to jump online when it was accessible. I went to campus today, took my computer, and had no luck getting online. I looked to see if I had any available networks, and did not. Can anyone help me with finding wireless networks when I'm near a server?
SInce you're admittedly a newbie, it wouldn't hurt to ask if you're sure your wireless adapter was turned on. Check your documentation for the procedure. Usually there's a key sequence, generally involving the "function" key and one of the numbered F-keys along the top row of the keyboard, that you have to throw to toggle the card on and off. Also, some computers have an actual physical switch somewhere for the wireless card. Again, your owner's manual will tell you for sure. By the way, I'm assuming here that your machine has a built-in wireless card; if it doesn't you simply need to insert the external card into your PC Card slot.
Now that we're sure we have the adapter up and running, let's check to see if we're within range of an open access point. Were you in an area where you *know* there should have been a signal? If you're not familiar with your school's network, check with their IT department or try looking on their website for infomation on the wireless network there. Pay particular attention to where the signal is supposed to be available, as well as any authentication or registration requirements they may have, and the network name or SSID (service set identifier) that you should look for when trying to connect. Sometimes it's more than a matter of being able to simply "jump online"-especially if we're talking about an educational institution. Access to their networks is almost always restricted to students, staff and faculty members, and they take various measures to enforce this.
Also, today's a holiday. Maybe they had the access points turned off for the weekend.
.
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