Set Up Customized Network Locations

A network location is nothing more than a preset group of network settings that are customized for certain locations where you regularly need to connect to the Internet.

Create an Online Location

For instance, you can create a new location named "Home," then choose the network settings needed to connect from that location. You can create another location named "School" or "Office" and choose settings that are customized for the way you connect at those locations (dial-up, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, etc.). Then with the click of a menu item, you can switch the location settings from one connection to another.

To create a new location:

1.	From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, or click the System Preferences icon in the Dock. Then click the "Network" icon.
2.	From the "Location" pop-up menu, choose "New Location...."
3.	Enter a name for the new location, as shown below. Click Ok.
4.	From the "Show" pop-up menu, choose the type of connection to use at the new location (internal modem, Ethernet, AirPort, etc.).
5.	Enter settings for the various text fields and menus that apply to your chosen connection type.
6.	Click "Apply Now."

Create an Offline location

Sometimes when you're on the go, automatic Internet connection attempts by certain software applications can be annoying or inconvenient. If you don't want your computer to connect to the Internet when you open Mail or your web browser (or other programs that attempt to connect automatically), create a new location that turns off the connectivity.

To create an offline location:

1.	Create a new location as explained above. Name the location something like "Offline."
2.	From the "Show" menu, select "Network Port Configurations."
3.	Uncheck every checkbox to turn off all of the network ports (Built-in Ethernet, Internal Modem, AirPort, etc.), as shown on the following page.
4.	Click "Apply Now." Your computer won't be able to connect to the Internet when you choose this location from the "Location" menu.

Select Your Location from the Apple Menu

1.	From the Apple menu, choose "Location."
2.	From the "Location" sub-menu (shown below), choose the location you want to use.
3.	Now your Network preferences are automatically set to that location's customized settings.