There is nothing worse than wanting to connect to a wireless network but not knowing if there are any available. Its ok if you have the wireless network connection icon in the notification area, however if you do not, you would even know if there was a network available. In fact there may be more than one network for you to choose from.

In Windows Vista, to see what wireless networks are available to connect to is very easy. And yes, this is probably easier than Windows XP.

How to find a wireless network to connect to?

The first way is to simply double click on the network connections icon in the notification area in the task bar. Then choose to go to the network and sharing center. When you have opened the Network and sharing center there is a link in the left sidebar that says connect to a network.

The second way is what you have to do if there is no wireless network connections icon in the notification area. Still simple though.

1. Go to the start menu. Choose control panel.
2. Double click on the Network and Sharing center icon.
3. click on the link in the left sidebar that says connect to a network.

Watch this video to see more details about how to find a wireless network to connect to.

Also note that even though you see a network on the list, you may not be able to connect to it. It may require a WEP key (password) to connect to the wireless network. In fact it could have a number of security measures to pass before connecting.