Does a wi-fi enabled laptop automatically pick up signal out of the box, or do you have to program it?

Question

and if not, on a dell, how do you program it?

Answer 1

First you will probably have to turn on your wifi adapter (even though its built in). My HP comes with a button you press and it turns it on. My Acer has a button on the front bezel you slide.

Or you can right click on the WIFI link in Windows Network Connections and turn it on ;)

Answer 2

1. You need to turn wifi ON.
2. You need to unclick "Use Windows to configure my wireless settings" in Wireless Networks under Wireless Network Connection Properties. This is necessary so that the laptop's wifi software can be used.
3. Configure the wifi settings of the laptop using the wifi's software, including the security settings to be able to connect to the wireless router or access point.

Answer 3

The term wireless shows instantaneous constancy, in comparison with the shaped audio kit certification term extreme constancy or hi-Fi. instantaneous constancy has in many circumstances been used, even via the wireless Alliance itself in its press releases[25][26] and information;[27][28] the term is additionally contemporary in a white paper on wireless from ITAA.[29] whether, in accordance with Phil Belanger's[30] assertion, the term wireless replaced into under no circumstances meant to intend something in any respect.[31][32] The term wireless, first used commercially in August 1999,[33] replaced into coined via a form consulting business enterprise called Interbrand corporation that have been employed via the Alliance to make certain a acceptance that replaced into "a splash catchier than 'IEEE 802.11b Direct sequence'."[34][31][32] Mr Belanger additionally pronounced, Interbrand invented wireless as a play on words with hi-Fi, and likewise created the yin yang-form wireless logo. The term instantaneous constancy replaced into used later as an evidence of what wireless capability. The wireless Alliance initially used an advertising slogan for wireless, "the generic for instantaneous constancy",[31] yet later bumped off the word from their advertising. even with this, some information from the Alliance dated 2003 and 2004 nevertheless incorporate the term instantaneous constancy.[27][28] there replaced into additionally no sturdy assertion for dropping the term. The yin yang logo shows that a product have been qualified for interoperability.

Answer 4

You did not mention if you were wanting to connect using a router in your home or public access. In task bar at bottom of screen right click on computer icon ( on mine it is the single one that when pointer is held on says wireless connection ) and choose open wireless connections, if its your router you will need to put in router information. If it is a public access connection then just click on the one that does not have a secure connection and you should be connected. You can find free WiFi connections at public libraries, coffee shops, airports, hotels and more but these connections are usually not secure for sending,receiving personal info. such as credit card, banking etc.
Hope this helps

Answer 5

If by "wifi enabled" you mean that is has a wireless card built in, you still need to search for your router via installed software that should have come with your laptop.

Once found, search for the router and connect to it.

Answer 6

You neeed to use the wireless utility on the laptop to search for your router, set matching encryption and then connect.

Answer 7

You have to program it to find your wireless router, then it should pick it up automaticaly