Connecting to a HotSpot
This page will show you how to get connected to a (Public) HotSpot.
Windows XP and Wi-Fi
Windows XP provides both wireless adapter drivers and their related client software (i.e. the software required to configure and use Wi-Fi). In other words Windows XP makes it possible to plug in a wireless adapter and begin surfing the net in a seamless way, without installing any additional software. In alternative you can install and use the software supplied with the wireless card or that you have downloaded from the card vendor’s website.
This page explains how to connect to a HotSpot by using the standard Windows XP drivers and client software.
1. Make sure the wireless card is on
Before trying anything, you should make sure the wireless card is on.
Wireless Network Icon
If your wireless card is on, you should see an icon like this one in your task bar.
2. Make sure Windows XP controls the wireless subsystem
This page contains instructions on how to connect to a HotSpot using the standard Windows XP drivers and client software (and not any vendor specific driver or software). So you have to make sure that your computer uses the standard wireless support provided by Windows XP.
- Right click on the Wireless Network Icon and select ”Status”
Once you see this dialog, press the button “Properties”.
- Select the tab “Wireless Networks” and
make sure the “Use Windows…” option is checked.
3. Understanding the Wireless Connection Dialog Box
The following picture shows the Wireless Connection Dialog Box.
Wireless Connection Dialog Box
This dialog box lists all the nearby wireless networks that have strong enough signals for a connection. For each network, it shows the network’s Service Set Identifier (SSID), encryption, connection status, and signal strength. If a network is security-enabled, the Wireless Network Connection dialog box shows a gold lock.
4. Connect to the Network
- Right click on the Wireless Network Icon and select ”View Available Wireless Networks”. You should see the following dialog box. Select the network you want to connect to, e.g. “T-Mobile_T-Com”
and press the button “Connect”.
- The system will try to connect to the network as shown here below
and eventually will connect to the network.
Close the dialog box.
You are now connected to the selected wireless network.
5. Login into the Internet
Once you’re connected to the wireless network, this doesn’t necessary imply you have free access to the Internet. In the majority of cases you have to start Internet Explorer and try to surf to a website of your preference. As soon as you try that, you’ll be presented with a login screen like the following.
Login into the Internet
Either enter the username and password you already have or your credit card details to get an user account.
Unfortunately there’s no free lunch…
Please pay attention
The majority if the public HotSpots use networks that are not security-enabled. If a wireless network is not security-enabled, you don’t need a key to connect to it, but other people might be able to view your communications. For example, if you check your e-mail, another user connected to the same wireless network (who is skilled with network attack tools and willing to break the law) could read your user name and password. They could also read your e-mail messages and identify each website you visit.