How to Connect Desktop Computers to a Wireless Network

Do you need to know how to connect desktop computers to a wireless network? Connecting to your computers via Wi-Fi—or wireless fidelity—networks means you don't have to worry about wires from your computer to your modem or running long Ethernet cables in order to connect to the internet. But how does one network a desktop or several desktop computers? There are several ways to connect desktop computers to a wireless network. The basic setup is easy for beginners to understand, but also gives you a starting point in getting into the more advanced measures in making sure the network is secure. To get started, here are some steps to follow:

1. Ensure that your computer is able to get wireless. The first thing you should do is ensure that each of your desktop computers is able to be connected to a wireless network. This usually means that your desktop should have an internal or external wireless card. If you already connect with an Ethernet cable, you can still be connected to the network, but only go this route if you will be keeping the modem and the router in the same place as one of the desktops. Wireless cards can be easily purchased online or at a local computer store.
2. Get a wireless router. If you have yet to do so, purchase a wireless router from either a nearby computer store or online. The average price is about $59.99 to $79.99, and the difference depends on what you would like the router to do. While it doesn't matter which brand you choose, it is always a good idea to get the same manufacturer type of router as your cable modem. So if you have a modem from one manufacturer, you should purchase a router from the same one.
3. Set up the wireless router. If you've never set up a wireless network before, the best thing is to read the instructions that come with your router. The steps are fairly easy; you'll first be required to install the software on your computer via a CD that comes with the router. The software setup will walk you through setting up your network and finding computers for you. If you have a friend who is knowledgeable—or you have an IT person (if you run a home business)—have him set up the network for you. He will probably use the more advanced method of going directly through the router.
4. Set up the network. As mentioned above, once you have the router set up, you'll want to set up the network on each of your desktop computers. If you're running a version of Windows (from XP and up), Windows will most likely find the network name that you set up within the previous step. All you need to do is choose it, enter your passkey (if you set one up) and click enter. Once you have one computer set up, you will need to set up the others.

Setting up a wireless network on a desktop computer is a great way to keep the wires away and also get information from the other computers that may be on the network.

Resources:

Annoyances: Setting up Internet Connection Sharing