list of networks differer in menu bar vs network settings list

Make a New Location, Using network locations in Mac OS X ...

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2712


System Preferences>Network, top of window>Locations>Edit Locations, little plus icon, give it a name.

System Preferences>Network, click on the little gear at the bottom next to the + & - icons, (unlock lock first if locked), choose Set Service Order.

The interface that connects to the Internet should be dragged to the top of the list.


Instead of joining your Network from the list, click the WiFi icon at the top, and click join other network. Fill in everything as needed.

System Preferences>Network, unlock the lock if need be, highlight the Interface you use to connect to Internet, click on the advanced button, click on the DNS tab, click on the little plus icon, then add these numbers...

8.8.8.8

8.8.4.4

Apply

Click on Advanced, highlight it & click on the tiny minus icon.

Wireless networks that appear in the Wi-Fi icon's drop-down menu are networks that are in the nearby vicinity. You can't delete them. Which networks appear here is dynamic, especially when you roam with your notebook.