How to Get Internet for a Dell XPS Laptop

Dell XPS laptops come pre-installed with a wireless card. If the laptop is within a wireless network it can, therefore, connect to the Internet without any additional add-ons or plug-ins. In a home or business where you have access to an Internet modem or router, but no wireless connection, you can connect the laptop to the modem with an Ethernet cable. Since many public places have wireless connectivity you shouldn't have to wire your laptop to a modem very often.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dell XPS laptop
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Ethernet modem and connectivity
• Ethernet cable

Wi-Fi

1. Step 1

   After you power up your laptop enter the Control Panel from the "Start" menu.

2. Step 2

   Select "Network and Internet" and go to the "Network and Sharing Center."

3. Step 3

   On the left side under Tasks, select "Connect to a Network."

4. Step 4

   You will see a list of networks within your computer's range. (If you do not see any on the list it is likely you are not in a Wi-Fi enabled area.) You can connect immediately to an unsecured network (the list will tell you if the network is secured or unsecured), otherwise you need to know a password to connect to a secured network.

5. Step 5

   Select the network you wish to connect to and you will connected to the Internet immediately. Typically, cafes will have unsecured Wi-Fi, but access to their network may require a password in the browser. Ask an employee how to go about connecting to the network if you cannot connect automatically. It will vary from place to place.

Ethernet

6. Step 1

   Bring your laptop near the modem or modem router.

7. Step 2

   Connect the Ethernet cable from the side of the laptop to the modem or modem router. A router can have many Ethernet cables in it at once.

8. Step 3

   Check your Network and Sharing Center to ensure you are connected to the Internet as explained in Section 1. You should have connected to the Internet immediately.