Here are the key points to remember from this chapter:
The wireless network configuration software built in to Windows XP might seem daunting, but it is really pretty simple to use.
There are many ways to get to the same wireless configuration windows.
No matter what wireless mobile laptop you have, Windows XP wireless configuration works in the same way.
To connect to a wireless network, you have to configure your computer with a name, and as part of a workgroup, as you would with a normal wired network.
The Network Connections window is organized so that you can perform the key tasks related to setting up networks.
The Network Tasks pane of the Network Connections window provides wizards (and other tools) for helping you with configuration tasks.
The Wireless Network Connection Properties window is the central command station for connecting to wireless networks.
If a wireless network is encrypted, and it doesn't automatically provide a key, you'll need to know the encryption key.
You should test your wireless connections by connecting to the Internet and your network.
It's easy to set your wireless connections for automatic connectionfor example, to your home or small office network.
Many settings are possible related to wireless networking; the most important are explained in this chapter, along with references to the places in this book you can learn more about them.
Don't worry, be happy! If you follow the directions in this chapter, you ll have no problems connecting to a wireless network.
