Wi-Fi Setup Guide

Apple set the standard for simplicity in Wi-Fi networking with the introduction of AirPort back in 1999. AirPort-ready Macs come with wireless antennas built in and an open card slot ready to accept Apple's proprietary Wi-Fi cards, which support either 802.11b or 802.11g, depending on the Mac model. All driver and client-access software is bundled with the operating system as well.

Microsoft and Intel have finally caught up with Apple with the recent introductions of Windows XP and Centrino, respectively. Windows XP now features easy-to-use client software and plug-and-play drivers for many popular Wi-Fi networking cards. Even better, Intel's Centrino platform, which combines a power-thrifty Pentium M processor with built-in 802.11b networking, has brought the Windows camp a wide variety of affordable, wireless-ready notebooks.

But if you're on older versions of Windows, or you're using an older Mac or Mac OS 9, there are a number of hoops you may have to jump through to get everything to work. So the bulk of the nitty-gritty in this guide has been created for you. Of course, if you're a Mac OS X or Windows XP user, we've got handy tips for you as well.

On final note: This guide covers installation and configuration of Wi-Fi for notebook computers for connection to hotspots, access points, routers, and gateways -- commonly referred to as infrastructure mode -- as well as point-to-point connections between notebook computers -- sometimes called ad-hoc networking.