Wi-Fi Hotspots

A Wi-Fi hotspot is a wireless access point that provides Internet access to network devices in public locations such as downtown centers, cafes, airports and hotels. Businesses and schools are increasingly using Wi-Fi hotspots for their internal (intranet) networks. Home wireless networks also use similar Wi-Fi technology.

Requirements to Use Wi-Fi Hotspots
Computers (and other devices) connect to hotspots using a Wi-Fi network adapter. Newer laptop computers contain built-in adapters, but most other computers do not. Wi-Fi network adapters can be purchased and installed separately. Depending on the type of computer and personal preferences, USB, PC Card, ExpressCard, or even PCI card adapters can be used.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots normally require a paid subscription. The sign-up process involves providing credit card information online or by phone and choosing a service plan. Some service providers offer plans that work at thousands of hotspots throughout the country.

A few pieces of technical information are also required to access Wi-Fi hotspots. The network name (also called SSID) distinguishes hotspot networks from each other. Encryption keys (a long series of letters and numbers) scramble the network traffic to and from a hotspot; most businesses require these as well. Service providers supply this profile information for their hotspots.

Finding Wi-Fi Hotspots
Computers can automatically scan for hotspots within range of their wireless signal. These scans identify the network name (SSID) of the hotspot allowing the computer to initiate a connection.

Instead of using a computer to find hotspots, some people prefer to use a separate gadget called a Wi-Fi finder. These small devices scan for hotspot signals similarly to computers, and many provide some indication of signal strength to help pinpoint their exact location.

Before traveling to a far-away place, the location of Wi-Fi hotspots can be found using online wireless hotspot finder services.

Connect To Wi-Fi Hotspots
The process for connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot works similarly on home, business and public wireless networks. With the profile (network name and encryption settings) applied on the wireless network adapter, you initiate the connection from your computer operating system (or software that was supplied with the network adapter). Paid or restricted hotspot services will require you to log in with a user name and password the first time you access the Internet.

Dangers of Wi-Fi Hotspots
Although few incidents of hotspot security issues are reported in the press, many people remain skeptical of their safety. Some caution is justified as a hacker with good technical skills can break into your computer through a hotspot and potentially access your personal data.

Taking a few basic precautions will ensure reasonable safety when using Wi-Fi hotspots. First, research the public hotspot service providers and choose only reputable ones who use strong security settings on their networks. Next, ensure you do not accidentally connect to non-preferred hotspots by checking your computer's settings. Finally, be aware of your surroundings and watch for suspicious individuals in the vicinity who may be reading your screen or even plotting to steal your computer.

Is It Legal to Use Open Access Wi-Fi Internet Connections?
Wi-Fi wireless technology simplifies the sharing of network connections between multiple computers and people. Even if you don't subscribe to Internet service, you can log on to public hotspots or to a neighbor's wireless access point to get online. However, using someone else's Internet service isn't always a good idea. It may even be illegal.
Using a public Wi-Fi hotspot is normally legal when you have the service provider's permission and follow their terms of service. These terms may include the following:
• restrictions on time of day when, or locations where, the public Internet may be accessed
• limits on the amount of network bandwidth that may be used
• restrictions on viewing of inappropriate Web sites or engaging in questionable online activities

Using a neighbor's wireless access point may not be legal even with their permission. The answer varies depending on the policies of residential Internet service providers and plans among other factors.

Many U.S. states prohibit unauthorized access to computer networks including open Wi-Fi networks. While interpretations of these laws may vary, some precedents have been set in recent years:
• 2007 - a man in Michigan was fined for using the Wi-Fi hotspot of a local cafe, from his car
• 2006 - Illinois man David Kauchak was fined for unauthorized use of a local agency's Wi-Fi access point
• 2005 - a Florida man faced felony charges for piggybacking onto a neighbor's Internet connection without their permission

Similar restrictions on using open Wi-Fi networks exist outside the U.S. as well:
• 2006 - In Singapore, a teenager received a probationary sentence for wirelessly accessing a neighbor's Internet connection without their permission.
• 2005 - In the U.K., Gregory Straszkiewicz was fined and his computer confiscated for using a local resident's Internet service illicitly

Just as entering a home or business without the owner's permission is considered trespassing (even if the doors are unlocked), likewise accessing wireless Internet connections (even open access ones) can be considered an illegal activity. At a minimum, obtain consent from the operator of any Wi-Fi access point before using their service. Read any online Terms of Service documentation carefully when signing on, and contact the owner offline if necessary to ensure compliance.


Summary
Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming an increasingly common form of Internet access. Connecting to a hotspot requires a wireless network adapter, knowledge of the profile information of that hotspot, and sometimes a subscription to a paid service. Computers and Wi-Fi finder gadgets both are capable of scanning the nearby area for Wi-Fi hotspots, and several online services allow you find far-away hotspot locations. Whether using a home, business or public hotspot, the connection process remains essentially the same. Likewise, as with any wireless network, security issues for Wi-Fi hotspots need to be managed.

Connect Two Home Computers for File Sharing

The simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing these and other network resources, consider the options described below.

Connecting Two Computers Directly With Cable
The traditional method to network two computers involves making a dedicated link by plugging one cable into the two systems. Several alternatives exist for networking two computers in this manner:
• Ethernet crossover cable 
• Null modem serial cable or parallel peripheral cable 
• Special-purpose USB cables 

Ethernet - Of the above choices, the Ethernet method is preferred as it supports a reliable, high-speed connection with minimal configuration required. Additionally, Ethernet technology offers the most general-purpose solution, allowing networks with more than two computers to be built fairly easily later. If one of your computers possesses an Ethernet adapter but the other has USB, an Ethernet crossover cable can still be used by first plugging a USB-to-Ethernet converter unit into the computer's USB port.

Serial and parallel - This type of cabling, called Direct Cable Connection (DCC) when using Microsoft Windows, offers lower performance but offers the same basic functionality as Ethernet cables. You may prefer this option if you have such cables readily available and network speed is not a concern. Serial and parallel cables are never used to network more than two computers. 

USB - Ordinary USB cables must not be used to connect two computers directly to each other. Attempting to do so can electrically damage the computers! However, special USB cables designed for direct connection exist that can be used safely. You may prefer this option over others if your computers lack functional Ethernet network adapters. 

To make dedicated connections with Ethernet, USB, serial or parallel cables requires 
1. each computer have a functioning network interface with an external jack for the cable, and
2. the network settings on each computer appropriately configured 

One phone line or power cord cannot be used to directly connect two computers to each other for networking.