Chapter 4
Putting Your Gear Together
In This Chapter
Getting prepared
Installing your chosen adapter
Mounting an external antenna
Adding an amplifier
W
hen you've gone out and got yourself a bunch of stuff, it's time to get
it all set up and running. Most Wi-Fi gear is relatively simple to set up
and install. Believe me, if I can do it, anyone can do it -- and you (you lucky
dog) can benefit from my vast experience (read: ocean of errors).
In this chapter, I walk you through the process of installing and operating a
wireless adapter in your laptop or PDA. I also give you some tips, pointers,
and instructions for setting up and mounting an external antenna.
Getting Ready to Install
a Wireless Adapter
I usually want to get whatever new gadget I've purchased installed as fast as I
can. I rip off the cellophane, tear open the box, and start grabbing goodies.
But hold on a minute. Even though getting Wi-Fi gear set up and operating
smoothly is really pretty simple, it still takes a little forethought and prepara-
tion. There aren't a lot of things that cause serious problems as you get your
laptop or PDA Wi-Fi-ready and running efficiently, but the few that crop up
can be frustrating, to say the least. Here, my goal is to help you avoid frustra-
tion by employing the Boy Scout motto: "Be Prepared."
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