How to Get Connected to the Internet Without a Modem

If your computer does not have immediate access to an Internet modem -- meaning that it either does not have a dial-up modem installed inside it or you don't have an Internet modem in your home --y ou can still use your computer to get connected to the Internet. Though this can sound complicated if you don't have a lot of computer knowledge, it is actually a straightforward process that even someone who isn't tech-savvy can set up.

Make sure your computer has a device installed inside it called a "wireless networking adapter." This device is not a modem, but allows you to connect to wireless Internet networks to access the Web. If you have a wireless networking adapter installed in your computer, you will have a "Wireless Network Connection" icon in your task bar. If you don't, you can purchase either an internal unit or an external unit (which plugs into a USB port) from a computer retailer.

Make sure your computer is physically near an operational wireless Internet network. These networks are often present in places like businesses, schools and even libraries. Many college campuses also have wireless networks.

Click the aforementioned "Wireless Network Connection" icon in your computer's task bar. This will cause the computer program that is associated with your wireless networking card to scan the area and see what type of wireless Internet network signals it can pick up.

Select the wireless Internet network you'd like to connect to.

Click the "Connect" button. This will connect your computer to the wireless Internet network, which will in turn connect your computer to the Internet without the use of a modem.