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WiFi is incredibly convenient, except when it doesn't work for no apparent reason...

It's increasingly common for a home or small office to have more than one PC. Setting up a network between them lets you access files on one while working on another, and even more importantly to share resources such as a broadband connection and a printer. In most cases the best option is a wireless network, which not only allows each PC connect without installing cabling, but also makes it easy to connect other WiFi devices to the Internet, such as an iPhone or games console.

If you don't already have one, setting up a wireless network is pretty straightforward. Choose an appropriate router: one with a built-in ADSL modem if you have broadband over a phone line, or a standalone router if you're on cable. The latest standard is 802.11n, which works with older WiFi devices too and offers greater speed and range with compatible 802.11n equipment. Most routers now come with easy setup routines that also cover setting up encryption to protect your data from snooping, which can be one of the few tricky bits.

With the hardware configured, getting a new computer onto your network should be simple. But what if it's not happening? Probably the most common problem is reception. All WiFi routers are limited in range to a few dozen yards, further reduced by obstacles such as walls. Other wireless devices can also interfere.

Try to place your router in a central location, and angle its antennae (or move them if they're detachable) to get reception where you need it. If you find parts of your house aren't reachable, consider a wireless repeater or 'range expander', or network adaptors that work via mains wiring: to find out more, click Labs at www.computerbuyer.co.uk and scroll down to 'Power plug networking'.

	1 All you need to connect to a wireless network is a PC with a WiFi adaptor built in or installed (on an expansion card or via USB). A PC running Vista should detect any WiFi networks in range. Select the one you want to connect to - be sure it's your router, not the neighbours' - and enter the security key if you've activated encryption on your router, then click Connect.

	2 You won't be able to connect if your PC doesn't have a working WiFi adaptor. Most laptops now have WiFi built in, but also have a switch to turn it off; check the manual or look around the machine for this. See 'Manage network connections' in the Network and Sharing Center to ensure the adaptor is enabled.