Dell Insp 640 M Manual

Setting Up a Network71
Setting Up a Network
Physically Connecting to a Network or Broadband Modem
Before you connect your computer to a network that is not wireless, the computer must have a 
network adapter installed and a network cable connected to it.
To connect a network cable:
1
Connect the network cable to the network adapter connector on the right side of your computer.
 NOTE: Insert the cable connector until it clicks into place, and then gently pull the cable to ensure that it is 
securely...

72Setting Up a Network
3Click Checklist for creating a network.
 NOTE: Selecting the connection method labeled This computer connects directly to the Internet enables the 
integrated firewall provided with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
4Complete the checklist.
5Return to the Network Setup Wizard and follow the instructions on the screen.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A WLAN is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other over the air waves 
rather than through a network...

Setting Up a Network73
If Wireless Network Connection appears, you have a wireless network card. To view detailed information 
about the wireless network card:
1
Right-click Wireless Network Connection. 
2Click Properties. The Wireless Network Connection Properties window appears. The wireless network 
card’s name and model number are listed on the 
General tab.
 NOTE: If your computer is set to the Classic Start menu option, you can view network connections by clicking the 
Start button, pointing to...

74Setting Up a Network
11Tu r n  o n  only your broadband modem and wait for at least 2 minutes for the broadband modem to 
stabilize. After 2 minutes, proceed to step 12.
12Turn on your wireless router and wait for at least 2 minutes for the wireless router to stabilize. After 
2 minutes, proceed to the step 13.
13Start your computer and wait until the boot process completes.
14See the documentation that came with your wireless router to do the following in order to set up the 
wireless router:
...

Setting Up a Network75
To determine which wireless configuration utility is managing your wireless network card:
1
Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2Double-click Network Connections.
3Right-click the Wireless Network Connection icon, and then click View Available Wireless Networks.
If the Choose a wireless network window states Windows cannot configure this connection, the wireless 
network card’s configuration utility is managing the wireless network card.
If the...

76Setting Up a Network
Monitoring the Status of Wireless Network Connections Through Dell™ QuickSet
The wireless activity indicator provides an easy way to monitor the status of your computer’s wireless 
devices. Right-click the Dell QuickSet icon in your taskbar to select or deselect Wireless Activity 
Indicator Off to turn the wireless activity indicator on or off. 
The wireless activity indicator indicates whether your computer’s wireless devices are enabled or 
disabled. When you turn the wireless...

Setting Up a Network77
 NOTE: Before you connect to the Internet, you must activate mobile broadband service through your cellular 
service provider. For instructions and for additional information about using the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility, 
see the users guide available through the Windows Help and Support Center. To access the Help and Support 
Center, see Windows Help and Support Center on page 13. The users guide is also available on the Dell Support 
website at support.dell.com and on the...

78Setting Up a Network 

Securing Your Computer79
Securing Your Computer
Security Cable Lock
 NOTE: Your computer does not ship with a security cable lock.
A security cable lock is a commercially available antitheft device. To use the lock, attach it to the 
security cable slot on your Dell™ computer. For more information, see the instructions included 
with the device.
 NOTICE: Before you buy an antitheft device, ensure that it will work with the security cable slot on your 
computer.
Passwords
Passwords prevent unauthorized...

80Securing Your Computer
 Do not share your password with other people.
 Ensure that people are not watching you when you type your password.
 NOTICE: Passwords provide a high level of security for data in your computer or hard drive. However, they are not 
foolproof. If you require more security, obtain and use additional forms of protection, such as smart cards, data 
encryption programs, or PC Cards (or Mini-Cards) with encryption features. 
To add or change passwords, access User Accounts from the...