| One of the best things about a wireless network, | | | | home protection is remarkably straightforward |
| whether you are at home or at work is that you | | | | and shouldn't cost you too much either. |
| no longer have to watch out for trailing cables | | | | If you intend to have a lot of computers on a |
| wherever you go. However this does come with | | | | network then the least problematic option is to |
| its own associated risks, not least that a number | | | | have structured cabling installed as this helps |
| of networks are completely unprotected, i.e. they | | | | communication and makes data available to all |
| don't need passwords or anything else for you to | | | | those employees who have clearance. Once the |
| be able to hook up to that network. | | | | structured cabling is installed the routers and |
| Pubs and restaurants, even fast food places like | | | | switches need to be configured and installed. The |
| MacDonald's, have what are known as wireless | | | | routers need to be in a central location so all |
| hotspots, that is to say they have a wireless | | | | machines are able to access it equally. The router |
| network that anyone in the vicinity with a | | | | is then connected to the power source and the |
| computer can log on to without any issues; this is | | | | internet source. Routers should have RS-232 serial |
| because the network because it is not password | | | | ports in case dial up internet services are ever |
| protected. Although protecting a personal wireless | | | | needed. You will also need to connect a wired |
| network is not too difficult, in fact most providers | | | | router or hub. Modern computers have built in |
| will provide walkthrough guides with the installation | | | | wireless adaptors. |
| drive they provide; however, when it comes to a | | | | Once you have sorted out the routers choose a |
| business wireless network, you need professional | | | | name for the network the router transforms the |
| support. | | | | data from the internet into a wireless form. The |
| The two most important issues concerning | | | | router manufacturer will already have set a |
| wireless networks are how the network is | | | | generic name but you need to change that to one |
| configured and installed. Protecting your network is | | | | of your choice as it is safer - this is known as an |
| extremely important as it is too easy for hackers | | | | SSID or service set identifier. These settings need |
| to get in and install a virus on an unprotected | | | | to be the same for every computer on the |
| network, and that virus could cause considerable | | | | network. Once that is done you need to install and |
| harm to your business and its associated data. | | | | configure the firewall and other security options |
| A professional internet security service will ensure | | | | such as a virus programme and a spam filter for |
| that you have the right kind of computer | | | | the email. IP telephones (internet provider phones) |
| protection program, for example MacAfee | | | | need to be installed and configured. |
| solutions. For a home computer something like | | | | Of course if your business does have its own IT |
| AVG is perfectly adequate and identifies | | | | or networking support, you can have them |
| dangerous or suspicious sites before you enter | | | | perform the full installation on your behalf. This will |
| them. Of course there are a huge number of | | | | help ensure that it is done correctly and remove |
| other companies out there offering their own | | | | the risk of any future issues or breaches in |
| unique content, including Symantec and Norton, so | | | | security. |