Knowledge Base » [238742] How do I disable my wireless network adapter?

Operating System: Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard), Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard), Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Mac OS X v10.4 (Tiger)
Product or Service: TutorPlace, GatherPlace, StudyPlace
Client Software: GP3, GP4, Java, SureView
User Type: Student, Host, Guest, Administrator, Teacher
When switching from a wireless to a wired network connection it may be necessary to disable the wireless adapter on the computer to ensure that the wired connection is being used.
The steps below show how to disable the wireless adapter on the computer.

Windows Computers
  1. Right-click on the wireless icon in the system tray near the clock.

    sys-tray-wireless-circled.png



  2. Select Disable from the menu.

    wireless-menu-disable-selected.png


The Disable menu item will switch to Enable while the adapter is disabled.
Don't forget to Enable the wireless adapter when you want to un-plug the Ethernet cable and switch back to a wireless connection.


Macintosh Computers
  1. Open the System Preferences.

  2. Select the Network icon on the System Preferences dialog.

  3. Select Airport from the list of network connections.

  4. Depending on the operating system the next step is different.

    For Leopard (OS 10.5) or Snow Leopard (OS 10.6):

    • Click the Turn Airport Off button.

    For Tiger (OS 10.4):

    • Click the Disconnect button.
    • Click the Turn Airport Off button on the Airport dialog.

Don't forget to Enable Airport when you want to un-plug the Ethernet cable and switch back to a wireless connection.
Keywords
adapter, network, disable, wireless, connection

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