Want to be Free? October 2005
Not long ago, wireless communication seemed like something amazing and futuristic, but today the ability to go wireless is very real. If you’re tired of falling over cables and having messy wires everywhere, or you are looking for connectivity on the go, wireless technology is the thing for you.
Almost anything that you can plug into your computer no longer needs the use of wires to create a connection, and this capability can be great for business and home users, depending on how mobile you want to be. To start, we’ll talk about the mobility of some of the things you physically use.
Keyboards and mice have been available in wireless form for a few years now, and new and stronger hardware is constantly being produced. You can buy yourself a wireless keyboard and a mouse that are very stable: but should be tested as they may have interference in different environments.
Mobile phones, PDAs or other mobile equipment can all be connected to your computer wirelessly, normally over Bluetooth or infrared. You can synchronize these devices with your tasks, calendar or e-mails on your PC. These services have come a long way recently and are very user friendly. Just having the right hardware (such as a Bluetooth adapter) on your PC and the right synchronization software will allow you to walk into your office with your device, and your PC will automatically recognize it.
Wireless networking has become very popular. The technology has grown and the connections have become very stable. Now there is no need for wires all up the walls and ceilings connecting to your server. A wireless network can have a wide enough connection radius to connect all the PCs together in one building without any cables. A wireless capability is a useful tool to have on your laptop. Many cafés or businesses have wireless internet available for use: all you need is a wireless-enabled laptop and you can be online within seconds.
Your internet connection can be wireless, too. A growing number of ISPs (Internet Service Providers) are now offering wireless internet in standard package deals, and with the new technology, you will not need to worry about the line incessantly dropping on you.
All of this technology is very useful and gives you a great deal of mobility. However an important thing to realize is that if you can connect to a device wirelessly, someone else can too, so security is very important. Never connect to a public wireless internet connection without having properly setup your firewall and antivirus protection, never allow others to connect to your wireless network or internet connection, and always keep your software up to date.
Connecting yourself wirelessly is a simple job, but if done incorrectly it could lead to many problems. Your local Computer Troubleshooter will be happy to help you out with any connection or security requirements.
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