| Wi-fi technology is popping up all over the place - | | | | variety of devices. |
| literally. From airports to cafes in city centres, you | | | | If you have an older laptop, you can purchase |
| can bet someone will have their laptop, palmtop | | | | wireless adapters which allow for connection to |
| or mobile with them, surfing the net while sipping | | | | happen - these devices fit into your USB port or |
| at their cappuccinos. | | | | PC Card, detecting and receiving wi-fi signals and |
| But it's not only in public places that wi-fi comes in | | | | allowing connection to the network. |
| handy, some users set up wireless networks in | | | | In an age where everybody and anybody can |
| their own home, using broadband providers on the | | | | access an internet connection, sometimes for a |
| host computer. Wi-fi technology has allowed for | | | | small fee, from every corner of the planet - even |
| computers to connect and communicate whilst | | | | the frozen Arctic - security over wi-fi networks is |
| eliminating the need for tangle-prone cables. | | | | one of the issues we commonly see in the news |
| All this is based on wireless networking, which | | | | and on technology forums. |
| allows two or more computers to become | | | | So while our connection is freely available, if we |
| connected using a wireless router. This transmits | | | | are not careful our personal details can be easily |
| a signal that is then picked up by other computers | | | | plucked from the wi-fi waves while we surf away. |
| within a certain range of the host computer. | | | | The potential for identity theft and wireless |
| There are now a wide range of broadband deals | | | | hacking is a worrying threat to those who utilise |
| that come with wireless routers, and the majority | | | | wireless broadband on a regular basis. |
| of laptops on the market come with built-in | | | | However, there are measures you can take in |
| wireless transmitter, which allow for wi-fi signals | | | | order to ensure that your details are safe while |
| to be received and for an internet connection to | | | | you surf wirelessly: |
| be established. | | | | - Make use of security settings in your web |
| As we become more dependant on broadband | | | | browser. Broadband providers usually offersome |
| technology, both for business and personal use, | | | | form of security as part of their deals |
| wireless connection has become more widespread | | | | - Check if a secure network key is needed for |
| - allowing for connection to the internet through a | | | | access. |