Adding Macs to Your Windows 7 Network : Connecting to the Windows Network

3/31/2011 11:39:36 AM

Now you’re ready to connect your Mac to the Windows network. If the Mac is near your network’s router (or switch, depending on your configuration), and your Mac has an Ethernet port (the MacBook Air, for example, doesn’t come with built-in Ethernet), run a network cable from the Mac to the device.

If you’re using a wireless connection, follow these steps to connect your Mac to the wireless portion of your Windows network:

1.	Click the System Preferences icon in the Dock. (Or pull down the Apple menu and select System Preferences.)
2.	Click Network to open the Network preferences.
3.	Click AirPort.
4.	If the AirPort status is currently Off, click Turn AirPort On.
5.	Use the Network Name pop-up menu to select your wireless network ID. Tip Mac OS X normally shows the AirPort status icon in the menu bar. If you see that icon, a faster way to initiate a wireless connection is to click the icon and then click the name of the network you want to join.
6.	If your network requires a password, Mac OS X prompts you to enter the password, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 1. If your wireless network is secure, you need to enter the password to access it.
7.	Type the security key in the Password text box.
8.	If you want Mac OS X to automatically connect to the network the next time it comes within range, click to activate the Remember This Network check box.
9.	Click OK to return to the Network preferences. As shown in Figure 2, the AirPort Status now shows as Connected. Figure 2. When you connect your Mac to the Windows network via wireless, the AirPort tab shows the connection status.
10.	Close the Network preferences window.