Sierra Wireless AirCard 580, Install Manual, Page: 15 / 44

Rev 2 Mar.11 13
2 2: Getting Started
• The AirCard 580
software
• Account activation and
configuration
Before you can begin using the AirCard, you must:
1. Install the AirCard enabling software and driver.
2. Activate an account and configure the AirCard to use your
account (unless the AirCard has been pre ‐ activated).
This section provides an overview of this process.
The AirCard 580 software
The AirCard comes with this software:
• Watcher application that you use to manage the AirCard
and monitor your connections
• Network Adapter Manager application that allows you to
switch between the AirCard and network cards
• The driver software that provides the interface between
the AirCard and your Windows operating system
The Watcher software (and the Network Adapter Manager)
must be installed before you insert the AirCard for the first
time. Detailed instructions are provided in “Installation” on
page 15.
Account activation and
configuration
To use the AirCard, you must have an account with a CDMA
service provider. The process of setting up an account is called
activation .
If you purchased the AirCard directly from a service provider,
you may already have an account; your AirCard may be pre ‐
activated.
Otherwise, run Watcher and the Activation Wizard, which
guides you through the activation and configuration process.
(Depending on your configuration, Watcher and the Activation
Wizard may start automatically.)