Going Wireless

If you own a recent-model Macintosh laptop computer (an iBook or PowerBook) you can experience true mobile computing. All Macintosh computers shipping today are "Airport-ready," which means they have a built-in antenna and a slot for an Apple AirPort card. The AirPort card allows your laptop to connect to the nearest wireless access point on campus, so you can connect to the Internet and browse the Web or check your email -- without wires! Get within range of an access point (within 100 to 300 feet) and your Airport-enabled laptop will be able to establish a network connection.

Use your wireless laptop in the classroom, in the library, in the snack bar, in the lounge, even outside on the lawn!

Today nearly all the academic buildings on campus have at least one access point installed somewhere in the ceiling or walls of the building, ready to make wireless connections. (Some buildings have three or more access points.) Each access point can handle several simultaneous connections from laptop users.

To locate the nearest access point, click on the Airport Module in your Control Strip. If there is an access point within range, it will be listed in the AirPort menu. If two or more access points are found, they are listed in order of signal strength. Select an access point, and you're connected! Launch your web browser and surf the Web.

Note: Recent changes to the wireless network make it possible to connect without any registration or configuration. Just open the lid of your PowerBook and go!