Program for finding Wifi signals

[masterbs1]

Here's my dilema: My father travels out of town quite a bit and uses his laptop. He's not very computer savy and can't remember how to find Wifi connections at the hotels he's staying at. My question is, are there any programs or software out there that he can use that will show all the available networks available? This has to be simple, just a click or two.

 

[versello]

Well.. if he right-clicks on the wireless network icon in the lower-right corner, and click on "View available wireless networks" (assuming he's using XP SP2), then it'll show all broadcasting WLAN's.

He can also use NetStumbler which will find non-broadcasting networks if his WNIC is compatible.

There are also little USB devices which can find wireless networks. I think LinkSys makes one.

 

[masterbs1]

I have shown him many times how to click the network icon and find the signals. He always waits until he's out of town to call me and ask again how to do it. I usually make him go to the hotel desk and ask them how to access their network.

Is the NetStumbler software easy to use?

His laptop is a Dell Insperon 6000 with the wireless g card.

 

[benamaster]

Net Stumbler isn't too hard to use, I like it.

 

[Luke1294]

NetStumbler won't let you connect, only view the networks.

 

[jonw757]

Net Stumbler isn't too hard to use, I like it.

This is someone who cant double click the Wireless Networks icon in the taskbar.. Do you think he would be able to do anything with the information NetStumbler is going to give out?

Tell him to break out a good ol piece of paper and take notes

 

[AcidBurn]

You could make a shortcut on his desktop. That would make it easy to find the network window.