| Every modern notebook is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing | | | | your hardware to a `g` card. An 802.11g is |
| internet access from any part of the globe. But | | | | backward compatible with IEEE 802.11b, thus |
| while using your wireless notebook, you should be | | | | 802.11g can leverage the widespread, international |
| aware of Wi-Fi standards, hotspots, and how to | | | | adoption of IEEE 802.11b in products from laptops |
| effectively use this technology to make the | | | | to PDAs. A personal firewall, such as ZoneAlarm |
| optimum use of your notebook. The 802.11g Wi-Fi | | | | or BlackICE can significantly add up to the security |
| standard is the latest standard, which your | | | | level of your notebook. 3 - Whenever you are |
| notebook follows when you are online. The Wi-Fi | | | | using your notebook at a Wi-Fi hotspot, make it a |
| alphabet spaghetti consists of protocols like 802.11, | | | | point not to send data. While you are surfing, do |
| 802.15, 802.16, and 802.20. However, for most | | | | not type your credit-card number, expiration date, |
| notebook users 802.11 would be sufficient with | | | | passwords, bank account numbers, etc. Sensitive |
| added `a`, `b`, or `g`. There are protocols like `e`, | | | | data are the goldmines for hackers, and they will |
| `h`, `i`, and `n` that are waiting in the wings to | | | | swipe your bank account before you can finish |
| make their entry. Nevertheless, as of now, | | | | saying, ` I have been a victim of online identity |
| 802.11g is the only protocol that one needs to | | | | theft!` 4 - Consider not staying online while |
| think when it comes to wireless connectivity. The | | | | working. If the risks outweigh the benefits, then it |
| latest Wi-Fi standard is the 802.11g and offers | | | | would be better to stay offline; at least until the |
| connection speeds up to 54 Mbps in the 2.4 GHz | | | | new 802.11i standard is not implemented. Even |
| radio bands, which is five times more than the | | | | then, the security can be breached, albeit with |
| previous standard 802.11b. It is more stable, more | | | | difficulty. If you do not need Wi-Fi to implement |
| secure, and backward compatible. Almost all | | | | your work, then stay switched off. If you need |
| notebooks that are manufactured today are | | | | the Wi-Fi just to send and receive files, then stay |
| 802.11g Wi-Fi standard ready. This standard is also | | | | connected for only that period. Rest of the time, |
| designed to replace the older Wired Equivalent | | | | stay offline. Precautions to take at a public Wi-Fi |
| Privacy or WEP by specifying the Wi-Fi Protected | | | | hotspot: Whenever you are in public domain, you |
| Access or WPA. The WPA will function as an | | | | need to take precautions, as it is free for all. The |
| interim solution, until the next standard, the 802.11i | | | | Wi-Fi hotspots are available to any and every |
| network security standard is implemented with a | | | | person, and anybody can be connected. Besides |
| new algorithm called Temporal Key Integrity | | | | online thefts, there is also the risk of offline |
| Protocol, which shall be much more secure and | | | | thefts. While in a public hotspot, do not be so |
| reliable. However, until the new standard is | | | | absorbed with your notebook, that you fail to |
| implemented, the 802.11g is to be followed. There | | | | notice the people around you. There are persons |
| are only two disadvantages with this notebook | | | | who are in the business of stealing notebooks, |
| Wi-Fi standard, that firstly, since it is a new | | | | from public hotspots. And they do not operate as |
| standard, it may not perform as promised; and | | | | individuals but as a gang. Also, while you are online |
| secondly, with fast emerging latest technologies, it | | | | at a public hotspot, follow simple rules like |
| may become obsolete by newer standards | | | | encrypting files before transferring or emailing |
| before you have the time to benefit from it. Few | | | | them; making sure you are connected to a |
| tips for a secure Wi-Fi experience: 1 - You should | | | | legitimate access point; and file sharing is turned |
| raise the level of your laptop settings. Raise the | | | | off. Basic precautions like password protecting |
| security settings of software applications like | | | | your notebook, updating your system regularly, |
| Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer. Update | | | | and using anti-virus software should be strictly |
| them frequently to ensure latest protection from | | | | followed. For further online security, consider using |
| hackers and viruses. You should keep the | | | | a personal firewall, a virtual private network |
| encryption feature always on to ensure safest | | | | (VPN), and web-based email with secure http |
| browsing with Wi-Fi. 2 - Along with the software, | | | | (https). Having a good Wi-Fi experience directly |
| you should also consider updating to better | | | | translates into a satisfying Internet experience. |
| hardware. Hackers have always found 802.11a and | | | | With the above suggestions being implemented, |
| 802.11b very easy to hack. However, 802.11g is | | | | you are guaranteed to have a pleasant online time |
| harder to crack and you should consider upgrading | | | | with your notebook. |