How to Connect to the Internet Using a Wi-Fi Hot Spot

Windows 7 makes it easy to connect to a Wi-Fi hot spot if you have a wireless adapter built into your laptop computer. Wi-Fi hot spots are common in restaurants, coffee shops and some bookstores. A public Wi-Fi hot spot generally does not require a password or connection key; however, you may run into some Wi-Fi hot spots that do require a password.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Click on the "Network" button in the Windows notification bar on the right side of the start menu bar. The "Network" button is displayed by a small computer or a series of bars.
   • 2
     View the list of available Wi-Fi networks. Click on the hot spot you want to connect to, and then click the "Connect" button beneath it.
   • 3
     Type the hot spot password or security key, if necessary. If you are connecting to a secured network, a password may be required. Ask an employee for assistance if you do not know the password or connection key.
   • 4
     Click on the "OK" button to connect to the wireless network. Open your web browser and begin browsing the web.
   • 5
     Click on the "Network" icon when you are ready to disconnect from the network. Click on the network and then click "Disconnect."