Windows 7, the complete guide - Part 10: Wireless that works

Vista attempted to make it easier to connect to wireless networks by prompting people to fire up the "Connect to a network" dialog.

You'd then be shown the available networks and, more often than not, you'd successfully connect.

Windows 7 wisely omits this unnecessary middle stage: just left-click on the Network icon and you'll instantly be shown available networks, their strength and whether they're secure or not.

Windows 7 also removes the need to load up separate software when you're connecting through mobile broadband.

Don't be fooled, though: our experience suggests you'll still need to load drivers for the modem, and follow the usual setup routine for the software so that the correct settings are entered.

However, once Windows has all the details it needs, you can use the connection without firing up the often quirky software supplied by the networks.

Also in our series, Windows 7 the complete guide:

Part 9: Turbo Boost your laptop
Part 8: Hunting down those missing files
Part 7: Good news for gamers?
Part 6: Blu-Ray and displays
Part 5: The new XP mode
Part 4: Playing DivX and XviD files
Part 3: Will your PC actually boot any quicker?
Part 2: Raw performance benchmarks
Part 1: Good news for gamers?

Also see: The 30 Best Features of Windows 7