Connecting to the internet wirelessly allows much greater mobility and efficiency. If you have purchased a new laptop or PDA, it likely has built in Wi-Fi capabilities. Even if your device is a bit older, it is not unlikely that you can still make use of the convenience that Wi-Fi offers. For those who are just now tip toeing into the world of wireless computing, a brief review of some of the basics should help to answer any lingering questions and knowing a few good resources can fill in the gaps.
What Do I Need To Consider Before Using a Public Access Wireless Connection?
Public access sites make connecting easy and offer users the ability to use time productively when they aren’t sitting at a desk, tethered to a cable. On the other hand, a wireless connection is a bit slower. When connecting at a public access site, you are sharing bandwidth with others around you, thus there may be delays when downloading, e-mailing, and so forth. The other consideration is security. When connecting via radio waves versus a cable, it is much easier for others to get access to information on your computer without appropriate security measures.
What Do I Need to Connect?
In order to wirelessly connect to the internet a user must first have a Wi-Fi enabled mobile device which supports standard 8.2.11 b or g Wi-Fi. Many new devices have this built-in. For devices that don’t have this capability, a Wi-Fi enabled PCMIA card or an enabled Wi-Fi adapter is needed. Of course, if you are traveling with a laptop it is also wise to take along a surge protector, a spare battery, and a power adapter.
Secondly, a user must have access to a Wi-Fi “hot spot”, a location which will connect them to the internet. Some homes are now Wi-Fi enabled while many airports, hotels, and public institutions such as libraries are also Wi-Fi enabled. Indeed, some cities are working toward having Wi-Fi cover their entire geographic area. Many local businesses also offer access to Wi-Fi; businesses such as Starbucks and MacDonalds commonly have access. Some hotspots are “free”, although most business understandably expect only paying customers to make use of their Wi-Fi service while other hotspots require payment.
How Do I Locate Hot Spots?
There are a number of ways to locate hot spots. Many businesses post signs on their windows indicating they are a Wi-Fi hot spot, but for those in less familiar surroundings searching for a connection doesn’t have to be haphazard or time consuming. There are a large number of resources that can be accessed.
Using a web enabled cell phone, users can check sites such as 4info.net to search for hotspots in a given location. Another option which requires a bit of pre-planning is to check one of the many sites available on the internet which allow users to search for hotspots anywhere in the world. Sites such as wifinder.com, wi-fi-zones.com, wifi411.com, and jiwire.com are just a few that can help users find the connection they need prior to leaving home. Another option is to download a database onto your mobile device which can be accessed later without an internet connection. One such service is jiwire.com.
Is There Anything I Need to Know Before Connecting Wirelessly?
Yes, security needs to be attended to as hot spots are unencrypted. Data being transmitted wirelessly is therefore susceptible to being intercepted by others. Users must assure they take precautions to assure the security of their own data; file and printer sharing should be disabled, files should be made private and password protected, and firewall and other security programs should be installed. Many such programs are on the market but jiwire.com offers one such program and the Microsoft site offers more detailed security precautions and instructions to help first timers. (microsoft.com/atwork/stayconnected/hotspots.mspx)
Once you arrive at the hot spot you will also need to enter the SSID, or name of the access point, in order to log on. The SSID can be found on the internet when searching for a hot spot and is also available at the hot spot location. For anyone logging on the first time, step-by-step guidance is available via online tutorials. Again, jiwire.com offers such a guide complete with screen shots to help the beginner.
The leap to wireless computing can offer great rewards such as increased mobility and efficiency. Using just a few online resources can make the process of connecting via Wi-Fi almost effortless.
By: Christine Peppler
Archive for March, 2010
Introduction To The Wide World Of Wireless
March 30th, 2010Wii Hardware Review
March 30th, 2010
Nintendo Wii is Nintendo’s latest addition to its gaming domination. Somehow, it is one of the highest ranking consoles in the gaming era today. It’s because of its futuristic specs(can connect to the internet) and the convenience of having a wireless controller. It also features Wii Connect 24 that can receive messages coming from the web. Released in mid November, 2006, it already won Game Critics Award for Best of Show and also Best Hardware at the E3 06. It is also the smallest console measuring only 157mm in height.
The hardware has the following features that gamers can use:
• The Nintendo Wii can connect to the web through the WiFi and USB to Ethernet adaptor.
• It has the following slots: 4 controller slots(1 SD memory slot, 2 USB ports, and 1 sensor barport), 4 Game Cube controller ports, 2 Game Cube memory card ports, and WiFi 802.11.b/g wireless built in port.
• It has a loading slot in located in front and reads 12cm and 8cm optical discs that older Nintendo consoles use.
• Consoles released in Japan have DVD functions. On 2007, Sonic Solutions Cine Player CE DVD Navigator software will be used on the console to have DVD video functions.
• The wii remote features infrared detection and accelerometers that enables 3d space positioning, meaning players can control a game using hand gestures(isn’t that cool? ;p) as well as buttons. The remote uses bluetooth connection to connect to the console. It also enables connectivity to other devises, an analog stick and trigger buttons.
• The Wii is run by a 90nm SOI CMOS processor. Its memory is 1T-SRAM. It has 512 MB built-in flash memory that can be expanded using an SD
With a rating of 8/10 by CNET editors and experts, the Wii’s futuristic controller design, its motion-sensitive gameplay, and WiFi options put it at the top. One more thing, it is affordable compared to other gaming systems. On the other hand, low quality graphics, lack of surround sound option, its inability to play cd and dvd, and its short battery life may cause serious damage to its popularity.
By: Jon Lumba
The Functions of a WiFi Printer
March 29th, 2010
Wireless technology has quickly become an everyday part of modern business. The Internet has been at the forefront of this development, with networking available between numerous devices from just one hub. One such device to take advantage of this wireless freedom is the printer.
Wireless printers are much the same as their more regular cabled counterparts, although with one obvious exception. As the technology is still in its infancy, it does cost a little more than a conventional equivalent. Whilst the difference might only be fractional, this does mean that it is largely only adopted in laser and multifunction printers.
This probably doesn’t come as much surprise, particularly as inkjet printers tend to be more compact and cost less. In fact, they are more of a desktop printer for those looking to do shorter print runs. Anyway, laser printers and multifunction laser printers are the larger, high capacity devices you tend to find in offices of all size. They use a powdered ink, which is transferred quickly to the page after the image is magnetically plotted. It sounds complicated, but is a far speedier process than using liquid inks – like those found in inkjets.
The wireless functionality works in much the same way as a standard Internet modem router. It transmits a signal between the device (in this case the printer) and the sender (a computer or laptop) via a hub. So rather than connecting to the network through a conventional network cable, this is done with WiFi.
Of course the difference in performance is negligible. The task is the same, it’s just a slightly different way of transmitting the data. The one major advantage though is that you don’t have to have dozens of cables trailing across the office, connecting each individual terminal to the printer or network hub. Plus, if you are already working with WiFi Internet throughout your building, then this will slip in seamlessly and negate the need for any cabling.
A wireless laser printer, as previously alluded to, works in exactly the same way as the fully wired equivalent. More advanced models will include better features. This might include larger paper trays, duplex printing option (where the paper is printed on both sides) as well as improved printing speed, image quality and cost effectiveness. These printers rely on a powdered ink which is contained within a large toner cartridge – very different to the smaller ink cartridges for inkjets.
When it comes to a wireless multifunction laser printer, the options are far more diverse. Firstly, they all include additional features. These usually include a fax, copier and scanner functionality. Whilst even basic models tend to be of a reasonable specification, the more advanced you get, the better quality you can expect.
The scanner plays an integral part in the effectiveness and standard of copier prints and of course the scanned images themselves. Larger multifunction printers tend to resemble more traditional copiers, mostly due to the larger frame and the added paper capacity within. As a result of the various levels and standards of multifunction printers, the costs can be equally varied. You can spend as little as £100 and as much as £1,000 to get the perfect WiFi multifunction printer for your needs.
So to briefly surmise what you can expect to from a WiFi printer, they can:
Complete printing jobs wirelessly
Connect with your wider network
Multifunction devices can also be entirely controlled remotely
Basically they do everything that you would expect from a fully wired model, just without the hassle of having to run wires right throughout the building. Whilst they may not be in all offices just yet, the popularity of the WiFi technology and the need to remove the excess clutter that clogs up many modern offices could well see a much improved take up rate in future months and years. Wireless technology is developing all the time, as are printers. So to take advantage of both, you need to consider a WiFi printer.
By: Derek Rogers
