Chapter 10. Wireless Networking

In This Chapter

• What is Wi-Fi?

• How to Connect to an Access Point

• Finding and Connecting to Public Access Points

• Securing Your Wireless Network

As wireless networking (Wi-Fi) becomes more prevalent in public places, you will probably see more options for connecting and for security. Wi-Fi provides the capability to access Internet and corporate resources without wires. Right now, however, most Wi-Fi connections are unsecure, so be sure to take precautions when using Wi-Fi.

Setting up Wi-Fi at home is easy as well. Many consumer-oriented technology stores (Best Buy, Circuit City, CompUSA, and the like) have several offerings for wireless gateways that let you share your cable or DSL Internet connection with several computers in your home. Be sure to follow safe computing practices so that you don't open up your computers to prying Wi-Fi hackers, however. It is important to use some form of firewall, such as Internet Connection Firewall, which is included with Windows XP, and which I discuss in Chapter 11, "Keeping Your Data Safe and Synchronized."

Finally, connect to the Internet wirelessly when you're away from your desk by going to a hot spot. Hot spots are public wireless access points that let you connect to the Internet, such as those found at some coffee shops, airports, and book stores.