Q&A for How to Set Up an Internet Connection

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What do you recommend doing when you set up your Internet for the first time?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

If you have a router, go into the settings and make the 2.4 and 5.0 ranges available so you can get a more reliable connection.

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How can I access the Internet on my iPad?

Community Answer

Go in your settings and click "connect to a wireless network" and choose one to connect to.

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Question

How do I set up the internet with a wireless modem?

Community Answer

Connect the modem to the internet as usual, then use your computer's WiFi to connect to the wireless modem.

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How do I connect to the internet without a password?

Community Answer

If the internet is not secured, you can connect without a password. If it is secured, you have to provide a valid password.

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Question

I am about to replace my old Windows XP desktop with a Windows 10 desktop. I have a BT infinity connection using an Ethernet cable. What will I need to do to get internet running on the new computer?

Community Answer

Nothing. When you connect your new Windows 10 desktop to your BT modem, you can just go to the Internet. No configuration required!

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Question

How do I switch my 2009 Dell mini from Internet Explorer to Google Chrome?

Community Answer

Install Google Chrome, then remove all shortcuts to explorer, as it is not possible to completely uninstall Explorer. It is recommended that you import all of your settings, passwords and bookmarks into Chrome, otherwise you will have to start all over.

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How do I connect my tablet to the internet?

Community Answer

Go to the internet options screen, find the internet you want to connect to, and click the "connect" button. You may be required to enter a password.

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Question

If I live in X, and went on a trip to Y and have access to a DSL, can I use my X username and password to use my own internet account to avoid high bills from Y's net?

Community Answer

No, the ISP allows only the specific login info of the customer on each line.

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Question

How can I figure out the settings for my particular machine?

Community Answer

Start CMD and type the command ipconfig and hit Enter; this will display your current network configuration.

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Question

What if the wireless connection on my desktop is slow?

Community Answer

Try turning your wireless off and back on again, moving your computer closer to the router, editing the router settings, or if all else fails, consider upgrading your internet service.

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Question

I don't have a modem, so I connected the DSL cable to my laptop's Ethernet port. How can I set up the connection so that I can use the internet directly from my laptop the moment I connect it?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It sounds like you're plugging the cable into the wrong port. A DSL cable cannot plug into an Ethernet port, they are different sizes. It's likely that you are plugged into a wall jack that is not connected to anything. Call your Internet Service Provider to get a modem and to hook it up.

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Question

How can I activate my modem when I can't get on the internet?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

Your Internet Service Provider is responsible to activating your modem. Call them.

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Question

Can I create an internet connection using only my green data cable plugged directly into my Xbox 1?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

No, you are going to need a modem and a router (or a combo unit) to set up an internet connection. Your Internet Service Provider should be able to help you.

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Question

How do I reconnect my desktop to my wired internet?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

Just plug the cable in. No extra configuration should be required. If you are having an issue, then try to reboot your router and modem.

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Question

How can I scan for a Wi-Fi signal?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

As soon as you open up the Wi-Fi page, your device should automatically start to scan for a Wi-Fi signal. If it's not working, then the most likely issue is that there are no Wi-Fi networks in the area. If you are sure that there should be a Wi-Fi network in the area, then try to reboot the router and your device. If that still does not work, then it's possible that your device has a defective Wi-Fi card, and the card will need to be replaced.

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Question

The IP address has changed on a printer, and the Wi-Fi is not automatically connecting. How can I fix this?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It's normal for the IP address of your printer to change, but it should still automatically connect. Try to go through the network configuration again on your printer to see if that fixes the issue.

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Question

I have a new PC, and it is plugged into the modem. How do I know if I am working from wired or from Wi-Fi?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

Look near the bottom right corner of your screen. There should be an icon of either a globe with an X, a computer, or a wireless signal. If it is a wireless signal, then your computer is on Wi-Fi. If it is a computer, then it is on wired. If it is a globe with an X, then it is not connected to the internet.

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Question

After connecting to Wi-Fi, what can I do about mobile data and GPS?

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

Mobile date is handled by your cell phone service provider, and is independent of Wi-Fi. Call the cell phone service provider if you are having issues with your mobile data. For GPS, typically on cell phones have this, and it should be enabled by default. You generally need a somewhat clear view of the sky (basically, not underground) to use it. Other devices typically do not have a GPS receiver in them.

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