Andrew
17-01-2007, 12:38
What's the deal?
If you've bought a laptop recently, chances are it'll have built-in Wireless LAN capabilities. What this basically means is that it'll allow you to surf the net via a wireless network adaptor or router, and you needn't plug any cables in to get online.
Wireless networking has taken off in a huge way in the UK; there are now more wireless "hotspots" here than in any other European country. Sadly, in many places wireless access comes at a premium rate; the services offered at Starbucks and Costa coffee cost an exorbitant ?5.50 and ?6 per hour respectively- a good deal more than you'd pay in an internet cafe.
Some have side-stepped this expense by logging themselves onto just any wireless networks that they can get near, but this can take a bit of expertise, and more importantly, it's legally dodgy.
However, there are more and more completely free wireless hotspots springing up around the country, and free website directories which find and review them. Currently, the three best sites for locating free hotspots are:
Jiwire http://www.jiwire.com/
Wififree http://www.wififreenet.com/
Hotspot-locations http://www.hotspot-locations.com/
Just search for your area on these sites and see what they come up with. These directories may prove invaluable to business travellers, as well as those just looking to take in some nice scenery while checking emails.
Anything else I should know?
To make use of wireless hotspots you'll need to make sure that your laptop is equipped with either in-built wireless support, or a wireless PCMCIA card. It may also be worthwhile to use an antenna if you consistently find low signal strength.
You should be careful with secure information when using public networks; don't give out your credit/debit card details or any other sensitive info. And definitely don't leave your equipment alone at any time.
The sites above (particularly Jiwire) are also useful for reviews and info about going wireless.
it's worth doing the following if you are accessing wireless hotspots
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/stay.../hotspots.mspx
Stay Secure When Using Your Mobile PC in Public Hotspots
Hotspots in public places usually don't provide any type of security. It's your responsibility to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe connection to your corporate network or to the Internet. Here are some steps you can take.
?Install a firewall. A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks any information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks the information or allows it to pass through to your computer. Microsoft Windows XP includes a firewall that you simply need to turn on. If you're running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Firewall is turned on by default for all network and Internet connections.
Disable file and printer sharing: File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it's best to disable file and printer sharing because when enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.
To disable file and printer sharing:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.In Control Panel, click Security Center.
3.In the Security Center window, click Windows Firewall.
4.In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click the Exceptions tab.
5.On the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services, clear the File and Printer Sharing check box and then click OK.
?Make your folders private.
When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult for hackers to access your files.
To make a folder private:
1.Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2.In the My Computer window, double-click the drive where Windows is installed, and then double-click Documents and Settings.
3.Double-click your user folder, right-click the folder that you want to make private, and then click Properties.
4.In the Properties dialog box, on the Sharing tab, click Do not share this folder, and then click OK.
5.Repeat the steps above for each folder that you want to make private.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
scoure www.moneysavingexpert.com
If you've bought a laptop recently, chances are it'll have built-in Wireless LAN capabilities. What this basically means is that it'll allow you to surf the net via a wireless network adaptor or router, and you needn't plug any cables in to get online.
Wireless networking has taken off in a huge way in the UK; there are now more wireless "hotspots" here than in any other European country. Sadly, in many places wireless access comes at a premium rate; the services offered at Starbucks and Costa coffee cost an exorbitant ?5.50 and ?6 per hour respectively- a good deal more than you'd pay in an internet cafe.
Some have side-stepped this expense by logging themselves onto just any wireless networks that they can get near, but this can take a bit of expertise, and more importantly, it's legally dodgy.
However, there are more and more completely free wireless hotspots springing up around the country, and free website directories which find and review them. Currently, the three best sites for locating free hotspots are:
Jiwire http://www.jiwire.com/
Wififree http://www.wififreenet.com/
Hotspot-locations http://www.hotspot-locations.com/
Just search for your area on these sites and see what they come up with. These directories may prove invaluable to business travellers, as well as those just looking to take in some nice scenery while checking emails.
Anything else I should know?
To make use of wireless hotspots you'll need to make sure that your laptop is equipped with either in-built wireless support, or a wireless PCMCIA card. It may also be worthwhile to use an antenna if you consistently find low signal strength.
You should be careful with secure information when using public networks; don't give out your credit/debit card details or any other sensitive info. And definitely don't leave your equipment alone at any time.
The sites above (particularly Jiwire) are also useful for reviews and info about going wireless.
it's worth doing the following if you are accessing wireless hotspots
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/stay.../hotspots.mspx
Stay Secure When Using Your Mobile PC in Public Hotspots
Hotspots in public places usually don't provide any type of security. It's your responsibility to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe connection to your corporate network or to the Internet. Here are some steps you can take.
?Install a firewall. A firewall helps protect your mobile PC by preventing unauthorized users from gaining access to your computer through the Internet or a network. It acts as a barrier that checks any information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks the information or allows it to pass through to your computer. Microsoft Windows XP includes a firewall that you simply need to turn on. If you're running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Firewall is turned on by default for all network and Internet connections.
Disable file and printer sharing: File and printer sharing is a feature that enables other computers on a network to access resources on your computer. When using your mobile PC in a hotspot, it's best to disable file and printer sharing because when enabled, it leaves your computer vulnerable to hackers. Remember, though, to turn this feature back on when you return to the office.
To disable file and printer sharing:
1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.In Control Panel, click Security Center.
3.In the Security Center window, click Windows Firewall.
4.In the Windows Firewall dialog box, click the Exceptions tab.
5.On the Exceptions tab, under Programs and Services, clear the File and Printer Sharing check box and then click OK.
?Make your folders private.
When the folders on your mobile PC are private, it's more difficult for hackers to access your files.
To make a folder private:
1.Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2.In the My Computer window, double-click the drive where Windows is installed, and then double-click Documents and Settings.
3.Double-click your user folder, right-click the folder that you want to make private, and then click Properties.
4.In the Properties dialog box, on the Sharing tab, click Do not share this folder, and then click OK.
5.Repeat the steps above for each folder that you want to make private.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
scoure www.moneysavingexpert.com