Dell Latitude D420 User Manual

Also see for D420 - Latitude Notebook Computer: Quick reference guide Setup guide Quick reference guide Service manual Quick reference guide

Contents

2. Under Pick a Help topic, click Dell User and System Guides.3. Under Device Guides, select the documentation for your wireless network card.Completing the Connection to the WLANWhen you turn on your computer and a network (for which your computer is not configured) is detected in the area, a pop-up appears near the wireless signalicon in the lower-right corner of the Windows desktop.Follow the instructions provided in any utility prompts that appear on your screen.Once you have configured your computer for the wireless network that you selected, another pop-up notifies you that your computer is connected to thatnetwork.Thereafter, whenever you log on to your computer within the range of the wireless network that you selected, the same pop-up notifies you of the wirelessnetwork connection.Enabling/Disabling the Wireless Network CardYou can turn your computer's wireless networking function on and off by using the WiFi Locator - Wireless On/Off switch. If the wireless networking function isturned on, use the WiFi Locator - Wireless On/Off switch to disable it. If the wireless networking function is turned off, use the WiFi Locator - Wireless On/Offswitch to enable it.Monitoring the Status of Wireless Network Connections Through Dell™ QuickSetThe wireless activity indicator provides an easy way to monitor the status of your computer's wireless devices. Right-click the Dell QuickSet icon in yourtaskbar, and then 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 networking function onor off, the wireless activity indicator changes to display the status.For more information about the wireless activity indicator, see the Dell QuickSet Help file. For information about QuickSet and how to access the Dell QuickSetHelp file, see Dell™ QuickSet.Mobile Broadband or Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)Much like a WLAN, a Mobile Broadband network (also known as a WWAN) is a series of interconnected computers that communicate with each other throughwireless technology. However, a Mobile Broadband network uses cellular technology and therefore provides Internet access in the same varied locations fromwhich cellular telephone service is available. Your computer can maintain the Mobile Broadband network connection regardless of its physical location, as longas the computer remains in the service area of your cellular service provider.What You Need to Establish a Mobile Broadband Network ConnectionTo set up a Mobile Broadband network connection, you need:l A Mobile Broadband ExpressCardFor instructions on using ExpressCards, see Installing a PC Card or 34-mm ExpressCard.l The Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility (already installed on your computer if you purchased the card when you purchased your computer, or on the CDthat accompanied your card if purchased separately from your computer)If the utility is corrupted or deleted from your computer, see the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility user's guide for instructions. The user's guide isavailable through the Windows Help and Support Center (or on the CD that accompanied your card if you purchased it separately from your computer).To access the Help and Support Center, see Windows Help and Support Center.Connecting to a Mobile Broadband NetworkNOTE: If you select a secure network, you must enter a WEP or WPA key when prompted. Network security settings are unique to your network. Dellcannot provide this information.NOTE: Your computer can take up to 1 minute to connect to the network.NOTE: If you are unable to connect to a wireless network, ensure that you have all the components for establishing a WLAN (see What You Need toEstablish a WLAN Connection).NOTE: Your computer supports use of a 34-mm ExpressCard in an adapter to provide Mobile Broadband (WWAN) connectivity. Your computer does notsupport use of a WWAN Mini-Card.NOTE: These instructions apply only to Mobile Broadband ExpressCards or Mini-Cards. They do not apply to internal cards with Bluetooth® wirelesstechnology or WLAN Mini-Cards.