Stay connected with your mobile PC: Finding the Internet wherever you go
You're a do-it-yourself person who is resourceful, organized, and always willing to help. In fact, you've just volunteered to host your best friend's baby shower. With a lot of details and a short timeline, this is your kind of fun challenge.
If you have a mobile PC (a notebook, Tablet PC, or ultra-mobile PC), you can do most of the planning online—from ordering party favors and finding a caterer to sending invitations and a map with directions to your house. Even when you're on the go, you can use your mobile PC to take care of the details so that the party is a success. Connect to the Internet from a public wireless network, buy a subscription service, or get a mobile broadband card so you can connect almost anywhere. Windows Vista offers several options.
How do I get started?
All you need to connect to a wireless network are your mobile PC and a built-in or external wireless network adapter (also called a wireless card). Most mobile PCs come with a wireless network adapter already installed. Here's how to find out if you have one:
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Open Network Connections by clicking the Start button 
, clicking Control Panel, clicking Network and Internet, clicking Network and Sharing Center, and then clicking Manage network connections.
If you have a wireless network adapter, it will appear in the list.
After you confirm you have a wireless network adapter, it's time to find a hotspot—a public place where people can access the Internet through a wireless network.
Find a hotspot
Some cities provide free hotspots in places such as libraries, airports, and parks. Some businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, also provide free hotspots, while others charge a fee.
To be prepared before you go mobile, you can look for hotspots by location on the web.
Get connected
Finding a hotspot is half the battle. Now, to track your shipment of party favors, you need to connect to the Internet. Here's how:
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Open Connect to a Network by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Connect to.
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In the Show list, click Wireless.
You'll see a list of the wireless networks currently available.
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Click a network, and then click Connect.
If you don't see the network you want to connect to, click Set up a connection or network. A list of options will appear that includes manually searching for and connecting to a network, as well as creating a new network connection.
Some networks require a network security key or passphrase. To connect to one of those networks, ask the barista at the coffee shop, the person running the information desk at the library, or whoever represents the business or organization that's providing the hotspot, for the key or passphrase.
Warning
Whenever possible, you should connect to security-enabled wireless networks. If you do connect to a network that is not secure, be aware that someone with the right tools can see everything that you do, including the websites you visit, the documents you work on, and the user names and passwords that you use.
Wireless safety first!
When using hotspots, follow a few basic rules to help protect your mobile PC.
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Rely on Windows Firewall. With your mobile PC running Windows Vista, you already have a robust firewall working for you. Just don't turn it off. The main purpose of a firewall is to help block people and programs that are trying to connect to your computer without your knowledge or approval. For more information, see Understanding Windows Firewall settings.
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Use Windows Defender. Like Windows Firewall, Windows Defender comes with Windows Vista. It helps you detect and remove spyware and other potentially unwanted software. For more information, see Using Windows Defender.
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Install antivirus software. Whenever you're connected to the Internet or to a network, your mobile PC is at risk from viruses, worms, and other malicious software. Antivirus software helps either quarantine these intruders or delete them entirely before they can damage your computer and files. You can usually download antivirus software directly from the manufacturer's website. For more information, go to the Windows Vista Security Software Providers website.
Buy a subscription service
If you frequent certain coffee shop or bookstore chains that charge a fee to use their wireless connection, consider purchasing a subscription to the same wireless provider that they use to ensure that you can connect to the Internet whenever you're in one of their stores.
Get a mobile broadband card
Mobile broadband cards offer the most flexibility for people on the go. With a mobile broadband card, you can connect to the Internet from almost anywhere. These cards provide high-speed wireless access and enhanced security features. Many mobile phone providers sell these cards and the service plans that go with them. You can also purchase a mobile broadband card separately from your mobile PC's manufacturer, and then choose a mobile broadband provider.
With a mobile broadband card and a service plan, you can check the baby shower gift registry even when you're in the car—but please, only when someone else is driving!
Take on any challenge
When the big day arrives, you can relax and enjoy the baby shower because you've taken care of all of the details. Your mobile PC and its wireless connectivity features made planning the shower a snap. Now the mom-to-be is grateful, and you deserve credit for throwing such a fabulous party. When you are connected, you can make it look easy—because it is easy.
