Windows comes pre-configured for Internet access via Ethernet. If your computer includes an Ethernet adapter as many do, connecting your computer to the Internet is as simple as connecting a cable.

Wireless local area networks include a wireless access point that devices connect to in order to communicate with each other and access the Internet. Ad-hoc networks, on the other hand, lack a central ...

If you're using Windows, you can decide which networks the computer connects to automatically. The easiest way is to click the Wi-Fi icon on the taskbar to see all the Wi-Fi networks within range.