Software & Hardware Requirements: How to Connect Wi-Fi Internet to a Desktop PC
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By David Weedmark
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Connecting a desktop PC to a Wi-Fi network doesn't require a lot of software or hardware. Provided you're working from home or in a small office, all you need is a Wi-Fi adapter for the PC and a Wi-Fi router connected to a high-speed modem. A Wi-Fi router is not appropriate for larger offices with several PCs or offices with existing network security in place. If that's the case, you should consult with an experienced network technician who can recommend an appropriate wireless access point and install it so that it doesn't compromise your existing security.
Router Setup
Purchase a Wi-Fi router if you are installing Wi-Fi in your home or a small office without high network security needs. Most consumer-grade models today work with both cable and DSL modems without any complications. Most also offer WPA2 encryption and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, which are vital for protecting your data, but you should still read the product description to make sure these are included, especially if you are buying an older model.
Plug in the Wi-Fi router and connect its Internet or WAN port to the modem using an Ethernet cable.
Read the manufacturer's documentation to see how the router should be configured. In some cases, you may need to install software on one computer in the network. In other cases, you can connect a computer to the router using an Ethernet cable and then configure the router using a Web browser.
Select the default router settings if you are not experienced in setting up a router. This includes using the router's DHCP option to conceal computer addresses from unauthorized access over the Internet.
Enable WPA2 security while setting up the router to encrypt and password-protect data sent over Wi-Fi. Select a password containing letters in upper and lower case as well as numbers to make it difficult for anyone to guess. Write down the password and store it in a secure location.
Change the router's default administrative password to prevent anyone from making changes to the router's settings. Again, this should be a password that will be difficult for anyone to guess. Disconnect the Ethernet cable from the computer after the router is set up.
PC Setup
Check the specifications for your PC to see if it came with a built-in Wi-Fi adapter. In Windows 8 you can quickly see if your computer has Wi-Fi by clicking the Settings charm in the desktop sidebar. Click the "Wireless Network" icon, which looks like five vertical bars, to find your Wi-Fi network by name. If your PC already has Wi-Fi connectivity, no other software or hardware is required.
Purchase a Wi-Fi adapter for the PC if needed. In most cases, you can choose between a Wi-Fi network interface card (NIC) or a USB Wi-Fi adapter. USB adapters are easy to install and can be removed and used in other computers. NICs take longer to install, but become a permanent part of your computer. They also don't take up one of your USB ports. Read the product description to make sure the adapter is supported by your computer's operating system before purchasing it.
Turn off the computer. Insert a USB Wi-Fi adapter into any free USB port on the computer and attach the antennae. To install a Wi-Fi NIC, unplug the computer. Open the computer case using a screwdriver and insert the NIC into a free slot beside the Ethernet NIC on the motherboard. Remove the corresponding knock-out panel from the back of the case if needed to make room for the NIC's antennae before closing the case and plugging in the computer.
Turn on the computer and wait for Windows to identify the new hardware. In most cases, Windows will identify the hardware automatically and install the software drivers. If not, the manufacturer may require you to insert an installation CD or download the software drivers from the Internet.
Click the "Settings" charm in the sidebar of a Windows 8 PC, then click the "Wireless Network" icon. All available Wi-Fi networks in your area will be displayed. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list, which is usually your router's manufacturer name followed by a number, unless you changed it while configuring the router.
Enter your WPA2 password when prompted. Launch a Web browser to make sure you are now connected to the Internet.
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A published author and professional speaker, David Weedmark has advised businesses and governments on technology, media and marketing for more than 20 years. He has taught computer science at Algonquin College, has started three successful businesses, and has written hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines throughout Canada and the United States.
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1 Wireless Printers That Will Work with Windows 7
2 A Good Way to Set Up Computers for a Small Business
3 How to Use a Backdoor Master Password to Change Your BIOS
4 How to Remove a Networked Computer