10 points! How do you connect to wireless internet?

Question

I have an Xp laptop and I'm living in an area wit wireless internet available. I need VERY SPECIFIC instructions on how to setup the wireless network. The problem is I can barely see the screen of the laptop (the backlight is broken) so I need specific instructions. Thanks a lot!

10 POINTS!

No, I can't use another pc's internet.

Answer 1

Does your laptop have a wireless adaptor installed?  If so, it should automatically detect the signal when you boot up, and connect to it.  

Go into My Network Places from START. Click View Network Connections.  There should be a wireless connection there.  Check to see if it is enabled (under Status).  If it says Disabled, right click on the name of the connection, then click Enable.

If you don't see it listed, then you probably don't have an internal Wireless Adaptor.  You can buy an external adaptor that plugs into a USB port on your laptop, they're around $50.