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Recently, Patty Harshbarger of Computer Renaissance in Bradenton wrote a great article about picking the best wireless service. Read more below.
One of the greatest freedoms technology has given us is the ability to connect to the Internet while away from home. Whether through a cell phone, GPS, or laptop, we can have instant access to maps and phonebooks from around the world, instant communication by voice or e-mail or even settle the most obscure trivia bet within a minute.
There are two types of wireless access, wireless B, G, or N, and mobile broadband. Wireless B, G or N is the most common. In order to make use of wireless there must be receiving capability in the computer, an access point, and connection with an Internet service provider. Most new laptops include wireless. Most desktops, due to their importability, do not have wireless. Wireless can be added to laptops and desktops through internal installation or external adapter.
In your home, a wireless access point must be within range in order to receive a wireless signal. The access point connects, possibly through another router, with the provider to whom you pay a monthly fee. This network creates access to shared data on other computers in the network, printers and other devices. When connecting to wireless, you may see other wireless networks that are within range, which may or may not be secured.
To prevent unauthorized use, secure your wireless network through the configuration of your access point. Select a WPA point encryption method which is preferred over WEP. Provide the requested password, which will be required whenever accessing your network.
Wireless-B and -G are most widely used. For comparison, Wireless B transfers data at a maximum rate of 11 megabits per second. Wireless-G transfers data at a maximum rate of 54 megabits per second. Both Wireless-B and G can experience interference problems from devices that use the 2.4GHz band, including cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens. Newer to the market is Wireless-N which operates on a less congested band, and has a maximum transfer rate of 600 megabits per second. Speeds will be lower in actual use, due to network traffic. Prices for Wireless-N equipment are still well above Wireless-G.
Wireless hotspots are available to the public at many public buildings, restaurants and hotels. Find free Wi-Fi hotspots at www.free-hotspot.com.
Mobile broadband is the second category of wireless access. AirCards are one example of mobile broadband. Instead of connecting to a local network, an adapter allows direct access to an Internet service provider network. Cell phone service providers provide this adapter along with the monthly service.
Some laptops are now being sold with the broadband modem built in. A contract with a specific cellular carrier such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile is required.
There are several types of broadband access in the United States. The fastest type is the new 3G broadband with a 900 percent improvement over the next best access rate. Each mobile broadband provider has its own type of access and coverage, so it is necessary to research the various providers to determine the best coverage and speeds.
Patty Harshbarger, the owner of Computer Renaissance in Bradenton, can be reached at patty@cr-bradenton.com.
Access the article here.
If you need help setting up your wireless network, or are having computer problems - contact Friendly Computers! Call 888-PCFRIEND or find a store near you.
One of the greatest freedoms technology has given us is the ability to connect to the Internet while away from home. Whether through a cell phone, GPS, or laptop, we can have instant access to maps and phonebooks from around the world, instant communication by voice or e-mail or even settle the most obscure trivia bet within a minute.
There are two types of wireless access, wireless B, G, or N, and mobile broadband. Wireless B, G or N is the most common. In order to make use of wireless there must be receiving capability in the computer, an access point, and connection with an Internet service provider. Most new laptops include wireless. Most desktops, due to their importability, do not have wireless. Wireless can be added to laptops and desktops through internal installation or external adapter.
In your home, a wireless access point must be within range in order to receive a wireless signal. The access point connects, possibly through another router, with the provider to whom you pay a monthly fee. This network creates access to shared data on other computers in the network, printers and other devices. When connecting to wireless, you may see other wireless networks that are within range, which may or may not be secured.
To prevent unauthorized use, secure your wireless network through the configuration of your access point. Select a WPA point encryption method which is preferred over WEP. Provide the requested password, which will be required whenever accessing your network.
Wireless-B and -G are most widely used. For comparison, Wireless B transfers data at a maximum rate of 11 megabits per second. Wireless-G transfers data at a maximum rate of 54 megabits per second. Both Wireless-B and G can experience interference problems from devices that use the 2.4GHz band, including cordless phones, Bluetooth devices and microwave ovens. Newer to the market is Wireless-N which operates on a less congested band, and has a maximum transfer rate of 600 megabits per second. Speeds will be lower in actual use, due to network traffic. Prices for Wireless-N equipment are still well above Wireless-G.
Wireless hotspots are available to the public at many public buildings, restaurants and hotels. Find free Wi-Fi hotspots at www.free-hotspot.com.
Mobile broadband is the second category of wireless access. AirCards are one example of mobile broadband. Instead of connecting to a local network, an adapter allows direct access to an Internet service provider network. Cell phone service providers provide this adapter along with the monthly service.
Some laptops are now being sold with the broadband modem built in. A contract with a specific cellular carrier such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile is required.
There are several types of broadband access in the United States. The fastest type is the new 3G broadband with a 900 percent improvement over the next best access rate. Each mobile broadband provider has its own type of access and coverage, so it is necessary to research the various providers to determine the best coverage and speeds.
Patty Harshbarger, the owner of Computer Renaissance in Bradenton, can be reached at patty@cr-bradenton.com.
Access the article here.
If you need help setting up your wireless network, or are having computer problems - contact Friendly Computers! Call 888-PCFRIEND or find a store near you.
