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Technology Beyond Capacity

Posted by on July 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

To say that technology is ever-changing is such an understatement. I recall being in middle school and my technology teachers pronouncing to us that when we graduated college there would be flat screen televisions that people would hang up on the walls of their homes like a picture. It sounded cool. Low and behold, the truth is that he was knowledgeable about technological advancements and enjoyed the prospect of teaching it to others.

Admittedly my children are more advanced with technology than I am. They insisted we install satellite tv instaleld in our home to watch their favorite shows and movies. I gave in, and it was the best decision I ever made. I never miss Monday Night Football. If you looking to turn your living room into a sports bar, visit www.direct.tv.

Don’t get me wrong, I highly enjoy utilizing my cell phone, which I just purchased with web access. I use my laptop on a daily basis, although it pretty much just stays in the house. We have Wi-Fi in our home that makes playing any internet game easier on our Playstation, and each home dweller has their own computer which they access on a regular basis. I’m definitely a proponent of technology – but am certain that I will never be completely caught up and in the know.

How could we, it seems that technology is changing on an ever increasing basis, leaving our new toys in the dust with new toys that are exploding for attention and money to be bought.  It is awesome that technology has truly crossed bridges in communication with so many people and that we can experience technology advance so. In today’s society, technology is ever-present, yet intangible making it beyond all capacity. This seems to be a great thing.

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The Increase of Public WiFI Connectivity

Posted by on July 21, 2011 Leave a Comment
Laptop man

Image by Ed Yourdon via Flickr

Most homes contain more than one internet ready device. Whether you have two desktops, a web tablet, and an android phone, you can stay connected.  Even when you take your mobile device with you, there are many places that will allow you to connect to the internet while out and about. Let’s take a look at the connectivity of public WiFi.

You’ve probably seen the sign at your favorite coffee-house. Free WiFi. In fact, every company-owned Starbucks location is guaranteed to have unlimited WiFi for customer use. Finding a connected café is becoming more common as customers become more mobile. By looking for a WiFi symbol or hopping online, you can find out which locations near you are wired and ready to go.

Java junkies aren’t the only ones who can reap the benefits of free internet. Many cities are implementing WiFi hotspots at public parks as well. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation are engaged in a five-year project, to bring free WiFi to 26 public parks. State Parks across California, in conjunction with AT & T, are providing wireless internet to cabins, RV parks, picnic tables and camping grounds to park visitors. Current California parks with free WiFi include, Half Moon Bay State Beach, Monterey State Historic Park, and Old Town San Diego SHP.

Municipal wireless networks, or a citywide Wireless Access Zone (WAZ), places the internet in the hands of the community. Cities like Denver, Honolulu and Spokane are making the internet available to anyone who would log on.

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Making Your Wireless Connection Secure

Posted by on March 28, 2011 Leave a Comment

If your wireless network seems to be running a bit slow, there may be a reason.  Millions of consumers who pay for wireless internet are also paying for other people to connect to the internet.  If your wireless internet is not secure,  other people may be tapping into your wireless connection via their laptops, desktops, iPods, etc.  How do you secure your wireless network?

Making your wireless network secure is relatively easy.  You need to access the routers control panel.   The router should provide you with a user name and then you select a password.  This means any time someone wants to access your wireless network they need the password to access it.  If someone brings their laptop to your house, they will need the network password to get on the internet.   Some may also require an encryption password as well.

This insures that your wireless network is secure from people trying to connect for free but also keeps your information secure.  Hackers can hack into a computer easier that is on an unsecured wireless network than a computer that is on a wireless secured connection.

It is important to use a password that is original and not easy to guess and not to forget your password.  If you forget it, it’s very costly to get a computer guru to retrieve it and sometimes impossible.

Be sure your information and connection is secure!

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What is a Hot Spot?

Posted by on March 16, 2011 Leave a Comment

A hot spot is typically used by business people or people that need access to Wi-Fi services frequently. Hot spots are cropping up at local libraries, cafes, even at your local McDonald’s. Hot spots used to require you to be a subscriber and pay a monthly fee for the service. Hot spots also bill hourly or daily fees as well.

There are more and more free hot spots becoming available to users. The disadvantage of free hot spots are the fact they may not be as secure as a secured network. Meaning hackers have easier access to your information.

Hot spots consist of several access points installed in a central location. They can be installed in adjourning outside areas or inside a large building. College campuses that provide internet access to students in dormitories utilize hot spots. Some hot spots may require an access code but some may simply just let your computer log on.

To use a hot spot your computer needs a network adapter. Newer computers have a network adapter built into the computer. Consumers usually do not even think about it being there. However, if your computer is an older model you will need to purchase an adapter for your computer to utilize a hot spot.

Utilizing a hot spot can be very convenient. Consumers need to be aware they may not be as secure as using their own personal Wi-Fi connection.

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