Wireless networks are the most common form of networking. The ability to connect to such networks is built into almost every device. Nowadays, bars, banks and fast food restaurants have Wi-Fi connections. To connect a device to a wireless follow this guide.
Steps
Method 1 of 8: Windows 8
Step 1. Open the Logins menu
You can access it by swiping from the right on a touchscreen, or by moving the cursor to the lower right corner of the panel.
Step 2. Open the Settings menu
Click or tap Settings in the Charms menu.
Step 3. Tap or click the Wireless Network icon
They are like signal bars.
Step 4. Select the network you want to connect to
If there are multiple networks in the list, select the network you want.
If you can't find the network you are looking for, check that you have configured it correctly
Step 5. Enter your wireless password
Once the network is selected, you will be asked to enter the password if the network is secured. Once the password is entered, you will be connected to the network.
You can also connect to the wireless network through Desktop mode. Follow the steps for Windows 7
Method 2 of 8: Windows 7
Step 1. Click the Network icon in the Notification Area
It is located in the lower right corner of the desktop. The icon will look like a monitor with an Ethernet cable or signal bars. You may need to click the arrow next to the Notification Area to see the icon.
Step 2. Select the network from the list
Once you click the Network icon, you will see a list of all available networks in your area. Select the network you want to connect to.
If you can't find the network you are looking for, check that you have configured it correctly
Step 3. Click Connect
The computer will try to connect to the network. If the network is secure, you will need to enter the password to connect.
Method 3 of 8: Windows Vista
Step 1. Click the Start menu
In the Start Menu, click the "Connect To" button, located on the right side of the menu.
Step 2. Click on your wireless network
Once you have clicked the network, click the Connect button. If the network is secure, you will be prompted for a password.
Remember to set the cascade menu to Wireless
Step 3. Click the Refresh button to check networks again
If you are at the edge of the network area, or if the network has just come back online, click the Refresh button to review networks.
Method 4 of 8: Windows XP
Step 1. Right-click on the Network icon
It is located in the Notification Area in the lower right corner of the desktop. You may need to click the arrow next to the Notification Area to see the hidden icons.
Step 2. Select "View available wireless networks"
This will open a list of networks in your computer area. Click the one you want to connect to.
Step 3. Enter your password
In the "Network key" field, enter the password of the network you are connecting to. Click the Connect button.
Method 5 of 8: Mac OS X
Step 1. In the Menu bar, click the Wi-Fi icon
It is located in the upper right corner of the desktop. If the icon is not there, click the Apple menu and select System Preferences. Open the Network section, click Wi-Fi and then check the box called "Show Wi-Fi status in menu bar".
Step 2. Select your network
After clicking the Wi-Fi icon, you will be shown a list of available networks. Networks that require a password will have a padlock symbol next to their name.
Step 3. Enter your password
Once you have entered the correct password, you will be connected to the network.
Method 6 of 8: iOS
Step 1. Open the Settings app
Tap the Wi-Fi menu option at the top of the list.
Step 2. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on
If it isn't, turn the slider to green (iOS 7) or blue (iOS 6).
Step 3. Select your network
All available networks will be shown when the Wi-Fi option is activated. Networks that require a password will have a padlock symbol next to their name.
Step 4. Enter your password
Once the network is selected, you will be asked for a password. Once the correct password is entered, the iOS device will be connected to the network. It may take some time for the device to be connected.
Method 7 of 8: Android
Step 1. Open your device's Settings
You can access it from the app drawer or by pressing the menu button on your phone.
Step 2. Make sure Wi-Fi is turned on
In the Settings menu, turn on the slider next to the Wi-Fi menu so it shows "ON".
Step 3. Tap the Wi-Fi menu
All available networks will be shown. Networks that require a password will have a padlock symbol on their signal strength.
Step 4. Select your network
Choose the network you want to connect to. If a password is required, it will be required before you can connect. Once the password is entered, it may take some time for the device to be connected to the network.
Method 8 of 8: Linux
Step 1. Make sure the adapter
wireless network is compatible with Linux. Follow the instructions in the "How to Set-up-a-Wireless-Network-in-Linux" guide to make sure your card is working.
Step 2. Open Network Manager
Most Linux distributions have Network Manager already installed. The icon is located next to the clock in the system tray. If your distribution doesn't use Network Manager, see the specific instructions in your version's documentation.
Step 3. Choose your network
In Network Management, select your network and enter a password if prompted. Once the password is entered, you will be connected to the network.
