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Get unplugged with Wi-Fi
Home internet connections have come a long way since the days when you had to log in and wait for a strange series of bleeps before you could get online. Nowadays over half of UK households have broadband and an increasing number of homes have Wi-Fi, but what are the benefits and how can you get ‘unplugged’?
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi stands for ‘wireless fidelity’ – in other words, broadband without cables. A Wi-Fi enabled device (such as a PC or laptop) can connect to the internet without cables when within range of a wireless network ‘hotspot’. It’s a bit like a radio picking up transmission with its antenna.
What are the benefits of Wi-Fi?
The main benefit of Wi-Fi for home users is that more than one user can be online at once without you having to install any extra phonelines or cables – great news for families who fight over the computer! With a good quality wireless router you should find browsing the web as fast as a standard broadband connection, although service might slow down if you like to download large files (eg. movies). The other advantage of Wi-Fi is that you can move about while connected – perfect if you have a laptop and fancy surfing the net while lying in bed or sitting in the garden!
What are the disadvantages of Wi-Fi?
You must be wary of ‘piggybacking’. This is where strangers in the vicinity of your home manage to access your Wi-Fi connection without you knowing. This is illegal and can compromise the security of your computer. Fortunately you can protect yourself from this by setting up account encryption – your broadband provider, retailer or a support service like PC Guru can advise on how to set this up.
How do I get Wi-Fi?
You will need a broadband connection and a Wi-Fi enabled computer. Most PCs and laptops manufactured in the last few years will have this built in – if your computer is older you might need to buy a wireless receiver that connects to a USB port. You’ll also need a router – a small box with antennae that plugs directly into the phone socket and transmits the internet service to your computers. Ask your broadband provider if they can send you a wireless router – many offer them for free nowadays to new subscribers so it’s worth asking.
For more information on Wi-Fi or for help with any computer-related problem, visit www.mypcguru.com
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