How to Search for a WiFi Connection
- 1). Look to see if your computer has an internal WiFi card before attempting to search for a WiFi signal. An internal WiFi card affords you the immediate ability to search for and join a wireless network without having to undergo the hassle of finding and using an additional piece of required hardware. If your computer has an internal card, this information will be readily available in the manual or specifications sheet that ships with your computer.
- 2). Use an external WiFi USB dongle and plug it into your computer if you lack an internal WiFi card. This piece of hardware is required in order to receive a WiFi signal. The dongle, which is just a small piece of hardware not much larger than a memory key, plugs directly into a USB port on the front, rear or side of your computer, depending upon your machine's construction and port placement.
- 3). Click on the wireless icon on your computer's desktop area. If you are utilizing a Mac, this icon will be on the right side of the top toolbar, nestled beside the volume icon. If you are using a PC, this icon will be on the far right of the bottom toolbar.
- 4). Choose a wireless network name from the available list of networks that displays after you click on the wireless icon. These names represent all the signals you are picking up and are theoretically capable of joining. Keep in mind however that some of these networks may be password protected and thus utilizing such a connection will not be possible if you do not have authorization to do so.
- 5). Give your computer a few moments to join the selected network. If it is password protected, a window will open up asking for a password. Enter the password if you have it at this time. After a minute, the wireless icon will blink or show a status message that confirms you have joined the WiFi connection.
Source...