Disconnecting from network? Forums

beagle

probably a stupid question...

Using WiFi from my hotel - magic! However, I don't seem to be able to disconnect from it now. When I switch on, it automatically connects. Can't find a 'disconnect' function anywhere - only 'disable'. If I do that, a helpful 'network repair wizard' launches and connects me again!

Is that a problem? I'm worried about security. If I close Internet Explorer etc does that mean I'm safe from viruses etc? And if not, how can I disconnect the d*mn thing!

gaspode · Moderator

Hi Beagle

Now I may be wrong here, but I think that what you might have to do is go to your WiFi adaptor menu and refresh the list of available networks, then select the network you want to connect to. Might be wrong - but someone will be along to correct me soon if I am. Wink

teemyob

Hello there!

Hope this hotel is a work thing?

What are you using to gain WiFi access, a wireless adapter or centrino?

If you are using intel, open up the "intel pro set" wireless settings from the start menu and adjust or trun off the access from there. If you are using other hardware or software then open that up and do the same.

Depending on your settings and anti spyware, virus software etc yes you could be a target.

Trev

teemyob

geraldandannie · Moderator

Hiya, John

When you first set up a wifi connection, the computer automatically assumes you want to connect to that wifi network if it's in range. It's not a problem. If you're worried about viruses etc, they can't infect if your computer is switched off. It's like a broadband connection at home - it's on when your computer is on.

There's a way to disable the wifi connection, but that only applies if you want to stop someone else using the computer using your wifi connection. If you really want to do that (going from memory here), go to control panel, open up wireless connections, highlight the particular wireless (wifi) connection, right click and select remove (or something like that).

Gerald

beagle

thanks guys - yeah it's a work thing. Not familiar with laptops or WiFi - just seems a bit strange that it connects without asking.

If I enter "disable" then some built in Dell thing leaps to the rescue and 'repairs' the connection, thus opening me up to dangers - when I don't even want to be online! I'll have a proper look under the bonnet and see what I can find.

Damn thing is pre-loaded with all sorts of stuff - am ploughing through the uninstalls to get rid of AOL etc.. grr... go away!

Who's tried

geraldandannie · Moderator

I've used OpenOffice quite a bit, especially the spreadsheet part. When I used the WP part, it didn't exactly translate some fairly simple formatting of MS Word documents. I felt a bit uneasy about it after that, especially as I was sending off documents in MS Word format. I was worried it might not be received properly at the other end, and I might miss a deadline as a result.

If you don't have to swap documents with 'real' MS Office programs, it's excellent.

Gerald