Originally Posted by isleroyal
My wi-fi card is built in, help. I am confused about the previous post. I am feeling rather dumb today, it will eventually sink in
(I promise). Also I am sure I will need a back up battery I see there are 2 tpes of batteries, which would be best, there is a HUGE price difference.
Thank you all for all of this GREAT help!
Simple, really. Your Wifi card will automatically seek out signals. Reverse click on the icon in the tray (next to the clock) and 'View Available Wireless Networks." If Windows XP hasn't automatically connected you, select the network you want, then you'll be connected.
But then you will be connected to that provider's network, not necessarily the internet. The mention of the "hijack" in the other post is how when you first connect to a network, it will re-direct you to their sign-in page. If you have an account, enter your username and password, and then you're connected. Some airports, like JFK and LGA have their own wireless network, which you can connect to for 24 hours...for, if I remember correctly, $7.95.
Other airports, such as my home airport, DEN (I wouldn't recommend the security circus here, by the way), has AT&T Wireless in all of the concourses. The United Red Carpet Club (as in most, but not all, UA RCCs) has T-Mobile as its exclusive provider. If you travel regularly enough, you should consider purchasing a monthly subscription, usually $30/month.
Good luck.