No: This option prevents you from connecting directly with other computers and protects your computer from networks in public places. You'll still have Internet access.
Yes: This option enables you to share documents and devices between your computers on a home or office network.
If you're not sure about which option to choose, go with No.
When a Wi-Fi connection is established, the word Connected appears next to the network name in the Networks panel, as shown in Figure 4-6. The connection name and signal strength appear as well. The connection strength (but not the name) appears near the time and date in the notification area in the lower-right corner of the screen (see Figure 4-1).
FIGURE 4-1
FIGURE 4-2
FIGURE 4-3
FIGURE 4-4
If you selected the Connect Automatically check box (in Step 4), the connection will be used anytime it is available. If you move your computer to another location out of range of this network (usually a few hundred yards), you will have to repeat these steps to connect to another network.
FIGURE 4-5
FIGURE 4-6
Disconnect (or Switch to Airplane Mode)
When you shut down your computer or move your computer far enough away from the connection, your computer disconnects from the Internet automatically. Suppose you want to disconnect on your own? To disconnect your computer from the Internet, select the network icon on the taskbar to display the network panel again (refer to Figure 4-2).
To turn off Wi-Fi, just select the Wi-Fi button (the button changes from blue to white). To reconnect, select the Wi-Fi button again (the button changes back to blue). (If you disconnect your computer, reconnect before continuing to Step 3.)
For safety’s sake, airlines don’t want passengers to send or receive wireless data signals while the airplane is in flight; these signals can interfere with the airplane’s communications systems. This is why the captain gives the order to “turn off all electronic devices.” Rather than turn off your computer, however, you can switch to Airplane mode. To do so, open the network panel and select the Airplane Mode button. This button is located at the top right of the network panel.
In Airplane mode, an airplane icon appears to the left of the time and date readings in the lower-right corner of the screen, as shown in Figure 4-7. Your computer doesn’t send wireless data signals in Airplane mode. To switch out of Airplane mode and reconnect to the Internet, select the airplane icon to display the network panel. Then select the Airplane Mode button (refer to Figure 4-2).
FIGURE 4-7
Switching to Airplane mode is much more convenient than turning off your computer’s network connection and turning it back on again. It takes but a second or two.
Create a New Microsoft Account
On the Start screen, select your picture on the left side of the screen. In the pop-up menu that appears, choose Change Account Settings, as shown in Figure 4-8. The Settings app opens to the Accounts screen, as shown in Figure 4-9. If your account information appears with the words Local Account under your name, you are signed in with a local account. If you don’t see Local Account, you already have a Microsoft Account and don’t need to follow these steps.
Select the Sign In with a Microsoft Account Instead link. The Sign In screen appears. To create a new account, select the Create One! link.
On the Create Account screen, create the account with an email address or a phone number. Messages about your Microsoft Account will be sent to the email address or phone number you enter.
Email address: Type the email address you want to use for this account in the Email Address box and select Next.
Phone Number: Select the Use a Phone Number Instead link. Then enter your phone number and select Next.
In the Create a Password box, type a password. Dots appear instead of what you type. Use at least eight characters, including at least two uppercase letters, two lowercase letters, two numbers, or two symbols. No spaces are allowed.
Your password should be easy enough for you to remember and type, but not easy for someone else to guess. Don't use the names of any family members (including pets). A good password can be difficult to create, so try this trick: Think of a memorable phrase or lyric. Next, use the first letter from each word, capitalizing some of those letters. Then substitute some letters with numbers (for example, 3 for the letter E or the number 0 for the letter O). Don't put your password on a sticky note near your screen.
Enter your first and last name; then select Next.
In the What’s Your Birth Date? screen, enter your country or region if it is not already selected.
Select the month, day, and year of your birth. (You can lie, but be sure to remember your response.)
Review your entries and select the Next button.
On the Verify screen, enter the code Microsoft sent to the email address or phone number you entered in Step 3.
Select the Next button. The Sign In to This Device Using Your Microsoft Account screen appears. Enter the user name and password to your local account, if you had a password. Then click Next. Congratulations! You just created a Microsoft Account.
Depending on your computer, you may have other sign-in options called Windows Hello, such as facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, and PIN sign-in. These options may or may not be available depending on your computer’s hardware. However, you can check them out by accessing Accounts ⇒ Sign-in options.
FIGURE 4-8
FIGURE 4-9
Create a Local Account
“Local account” is Microsoft’s name for your ability to start your computer without signing in to Microsoft. Before you create or sign in with a local account, save your work. Then select the Start button, select your picture on the Start menu, and in the pop-up menu that appears (refer to Figure 4-8), choose Sign in with a local account instead.
You can’t download and install apps from the Microsoft Store without signing in with a Microsoft Account. Nor can you upload files to OneDrive. So why have a local account? If you’re concerned about privacy and security, if you don’t want Microsoft to peer over your shoulder and track your every move when you use your computer, consider creating a local account. You can always switch to your Microsoft Account when you want to install apps from the Microsoft Store, use OneDrive, or use Skype (see “Switch from a Local to an Existing Microsoft Account,” later in this chapter).
To create a local account for someone else to use your computer, see “Create a Local Account for Someone in Your Household,” later in this chapter.
Choose the Sign In with a Local Account Instead link. You see the Switch to a Local Account screen, shown in Figure 4-10. Select the Skip This Step button and select Next on the following screen.