How to Find If My Laptop Has Internet Access

by M. Alanna Morgan

Overview

The steps for checking for an Internet connection on your laptop depend on your laptop's operating system, and the device your laptop uses to connect to the Internet. Your laptop could have built-in Ethernet, an internal modem or a PC/Airport card. Knowing which device your laptop uses enables you to successfully locate your Internet connection. Familiarity with the location of your connection within your operating system also aids you in the future when troubleshooting is necessary.
Mac OS X

Step 1

Click on "Locations" in the Apple Icon menu, and select "Network Preferences."
Step 2

Click on your network connection tab for the device you use to connect to the Internet. Choices include Airport card, Built-in Ethernet or Internal Modem.
Step 3

Click on "Active Network Ports" in the list box next to "Show." If your laptop has active Internet access, it now displays on your screen.

Windows Vista

Step 1

Select "Control Panel" from the Windows Start menu.
Step 2

Click on "Network and Internet," and then click on "Network and Sharing Center."
Step 3

Click on "View Status," listed to the far right of "Connection." If "Media State" is "Enabled," you have Internet access on your laptop.

Step 1

Select "Accessories" from the "Applications" menu.
Step 2

Click on "Terminal," and wait for the Terminal to load on your screen.
Step 3

Enter "ifconfig eth1" (without quotation marks) on the first command line of the Terminal, and press on the "Enter" key on your keyboard. Change eth1 to the name of your current ISP if it's not already listed. If you have an Internet connection, it appears on your screen.