Check your laptop

Verizon Wi-Fi Connect is compatible with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. Service Pack 3 is required for use with Windows XP.

Determine if you meet these system requirements by a right-click on "Computer" or "My Computer" from your desktop or the Start menu and select "Properties." The system details will be listed under the "General" tab.

• Verizon Wi-Fi is not available for PDAs, phones, desktop PCs or Macs.
• Most late-model laptops have wireless capability, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to buy a wireless card.

Register and download software

Go to business.verizon.net

• Click on "My Account" in the upper right corner of the page.
• Once you've signed in, you'll be able to register for a Verizon Wi-Fi account.
• If you're not eligible, you can order new Internet service or upgrade your current plan.

Register and download software

Registration is quick and easy. You only need to add a Wi-Fi account to your primary Verizon Internet account.

• We'll verify that your laptop meets Verizon Wi-Fi system and speed requirements.
• Virtual Private Networks (VPN) may prevent a download of the Wi-Fi client. Please make sure you are on a public Internet connection during the download process.
• After your download is complete, you'll see a Verizon Wi-Fi Connect icon in your Windows task bar (bottom right of your laptop screen).

Find a hotspot and connect

Use one of three easy ways to find a Verizon Wi-Fi hotspot:

• Automatic alert - Whenever you're within a Verizon hotspot, the Verizon Wi-Fi Connect icon in your task bar will alert you with a pop-up screen and you can sign in and connect.
• Search offline - The Wi-Fi Hotspot Directory is downloaded with your Wi-Fi software so you can look for hotspots without being connected to the Internet. You can update the Directory whenever you're online by selecting the Verizon Wi-Fi icon and choosing "update"- so you'll always have the most recent hotspot list handy.
• Search online - Whenever you're online, you can sign in to the Verizon Small Business Center and select the "Find Verizon Wi-Fi Hotspots" link in the My Account / Wi-Fi section.

Connect to the Internet

• Once you know you're at a Verizon hotspot, look for the Verizon Wi-Fi Connect alert message on your screen or right-click the icon in your task bar, then select "Connect," enter your user name and password, and you're good to go.
• And remember, you'll need to stay fairly close to the hotspot-within about 150 feet-to keep a strong connection.
• Select the icon to disconnect from the Internet or to update the Wi-Fi Hotspot Directory on your laptop.