If you've followed the installation instructions that came with your router - whether you purchased your own or received one from your ISP - you may already be connected to the Internet. Open your web browser to find out. If a page loads, you are already connected.
If you aren't connected to the Internet, you should run the Network Setup Assistant again. To get information about your wireless network, choose Apple > System Preferences > Network to open the Network pane. You'll be able to see if you are connected to a network and what networks are available to connect to. Click Assist Me and then Assistant to relaunch the setup wizard.
When you get to the page where you can choose how to connect to the Internet, select I Use AirPort to Connect to the Internet Wirelessly. You will be provided with a list of available networks to connect to. You may need to enter a network security key in order to connect.
One of the downsides of wireless connections is that your data may not always be secure. The wireless signals from your router are transmitted over a distance determined by the type of your router and the strength of its signal. If you do not use network security, nefarious hacker types might be able to capture data that you transmit, like bank account information, passwords, and other private records.
You'll choose a security protocol when you set up your router. What type you choose will determine what type of security key you need to enter to log onto your wireless network. As a general rule, choose WPA rather than WEP for added security.
You already visited the Network preferences pane when you ran the Network Setup Assistant. Now we're going to go back to the Network pane and take a look at what we missed the first time. Open the System Preferences window and click Network. The resulting dialog box contains the following elements:
Location - By clicking the Advanced button, discussed shortly, you can save specific settings that pertain to how you connect to the Internet at various locations. For example, the security key, username, and password that you use to log into your work network are different from those that you use to log in at home. Once you have entered these details for each location and given the locations unique names, you can use this pull-down menu to select the location you want to connect to.
Connections - This area on the left side of the Network pane lists the hardware that your MacBook uses to get online. You'll find your wireless, Ethernet, and other connections here. You can add connections, like a dial-up modem or Bluetooth, by clicking the + button, and remove connections by selecting them and clicking the – button.
Connection Status Window - This is the main section of the Network pane. Here you can see if you are connected to a network and, if so, which one you are connected to. You can also find your IP address and other connectivity information.
Assist Me - Click this button if you need to run the Network Setup Assistant again or if you need help troubleshooting your Internet connection.
Advanced - You can access detailed settings for each of your connections by clicking the Advanced button. You may need to access these settings to set up a new network or to connect to some networks. You can do things like specify proxy servers or change from a dynamic to a static IP address. If you don't know what those things are, then you probably won't be accessing the Advanced settings unless directed to by a tech support person.
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Note: This article was sent to us by: Brian Nitten at 11152010
1. Using your brand new MacBook for the very first time
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