Day by day, Windows 7 is still one of the most used operating systems in the world. Well, although it is not the most recent version of Microsoft Windows, there are still many computers that operate under this OS and there are many users who prefer to use it. Given its great synchronization capacity, its support on different processor platforms and its energy savings.
As a consequence, these users are currently looking for solutions through which it is easier to have an optimal experience. Therefore, in order to obtain the greatest possible security and privacy, they want to know how they can reliably connect to a WiFi network from their PC with W7.
For this reason, through this post, we will focus on letting you know the main tips of security what do you have to take into account when connecting to a WiFi network through your computer, so as not to present vulnerabilities to possible prying eyes. Additionally, we will explain every step to follow to connect to WiFi from scratch, without making mistakes in Windows 7.
What should I keep in mind when connecting to a WiFi to protect my security?
Due to their notable strengths, WiFi networks have been weighted as the main form of Internet connection for users worldwide. Since they provide great mobility, present ease of installation, do not require the use of cables, provide remarkable scalability and they are also very flexible. Now, because they are networks that have become exponentially overcrowded, they are also considered one of the main ways for individuals with malicious purposes intercede.
Reason why, it is essential to assess different security aspects when connecting to a WiFi network in order to protect your integrity. Therefore, in this section of the post, we will give you several recommendations of interest so that You can protect yourself to the highest possible level when you want to connect to a WiFi through your PC.
Here, we point out these tips:
- Do not keep WiFi access active: Since it is not possible to know where you can find an open and dangerous network, it is better that you choose to disable access to WiFi automatically. In that way you can prevent possible attacks that put your personal data and confidential information at risk.
- Use a VPN from your computer: It is also advisable to install a VPN on your Windows 7 PC to browse through a virtual private network with which you can go unnoticed by malicious individuals. This being, a strategy that redirects all traffic to an attacker’s server.
- Delete the WiFi networks to which you have previously connected: To acquire a higher level of security, it is also appropriate that you delete the WiFi network to which you connected, once you stop using it. Since otherwise it is possible to find the SSIDs that a user has been connected to in a free service.
- Use security software: You can also use a third-party program that take care of protecting your safety at all times. Either alerting you to a possible threat from a WiFi network or blocking packets, they analyze the existence of possible connections (probe requests), for example.
- Try to verify that it is a legitimate network: To avoid greater vulnerabilities, it is appropriate that you verify that the WiFi network to which you will connect, it’s completely real and not fake. This, you can do it by analyzing its name and the context, as well as, asking what exactly is responsible for it.
- Do not enter or provide your sensitive data: If you connect to a little known WiFi network, the best is avoid using your personal information online. Thus, for example, do not access your online bank account, do not enter your credit card numbers in certain services, do not enter your email, etc.
- Keep your computer updated: Another important point to protect your security when connecting to a WiFi network, is based on having your PC completely updated. Since, generally, operating systems tend to incorporate security improvements through updates and thus reduce different vulnerabilities. This will make it more difficult for criminals to access via a WiFi connection.
Learn step by step how to connect to a WiFi network from scratch in Windows 7
Fortunately, as well as in all versions of the Microsoft operating system, it is very easy to connect to a Wifi right from the start.
Considering that, in the case of Windows 7, you will have to carry out the following steps:
- Initially, proceed to locate the system network connections icon. Which has several bars that form a ramp or is simply a small monitor and is located on the right side of the taskbar.
- Then, click on that icon and thus, a list with one or more available networks will appear on top of it. Which correspond to the WiFi located within the coverage area of your adapter.
- Later, identify the network you want to connect to. These networks are generally identified by an SSID. When you locate it, click on it and check the box that says “Connect automatically” for later press the “Connect” button.
- If it is a protected WiFi network, at this point, it is time to enter your password correctly. In case you don’t know what it is, it will be impossible to connect to it.
- To continue, it’s time to indicate or choose the type of network to which this corresponds. Whereas, there are three options: Home network (ideal for your home), Work network (select it if you are connected to a network at your place of employment) and Public network (for any other case).
- Finally, if you need to configure the WiFi network in question, it only remains to search for it as we already taught you and right-click on it. Then, click on “Properties” and through the available tabs (Connection and Security), proceed to adjust it according to your requirements.
