The first step to connecting to a wifi hotspot is to scan the area for available wifi networks. In Windows XP there are a few different configuration options that will determine how you scan and connect to wifi networks/hotspots. In some cases your wireless network card will use proprietary software to manage connections. In other cases your wifi card will default to using the Windows XP wifi network manager to connect. This guide will be based on the default wifi management that is built into Windows XP.

1. Click Start, then select Control Panel.
2. Click Network and Internet Connections. The Network and Internet Connections window opens.
3. Click Network Connections. The Network Connections window opens.
4. Right-click Wireless Network Connection.
5. Select View Available Wireless Networks. The Connect to Wireless Network dialog box opens. (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

Next you will want to select the PAMS wifi network for your location.

The name or SSID of the PAMS wifi network in your area can vary depending on your location. It is likely that the PAMS wifi in your location will have a name relating to the location. For instance the PAMS wifi hotspot name at 1461 Alice st location is “1461alice.”

It is also important to remember a PAMS wifi hotspot will never be a password protected or encrypted network. Your will however need a ticket to use the internet after you are connected to the hotspot.

Now that you are connected to the hotspot GET YOUR ACCESS TICKET

Why can I not see the PAMS wifi on my list of available hotspots/networks?