Going Wireless
Many of us are finding we have more than a single computer at home and the majority of recent computer sales have been laptops. This means that we don’t want to be tied to the wire coming out of the wall to access the internet. We want to be able to sit on the couch and surf CNN as we watch the presidential primaries. Going wireless is getting easier and cheaper with each passing month so let’s take a look at some of our options. You will hear wireless home networks referred to as Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) networks. Number Confusion Older wireless systems used a lower radio frequency range around 2.4 GHz. These would include 802.11b and 802.11g. These operated in the same frequency range as some cordless telephones and microwaves. If you are getting static on your cordless phones and have an older wireless system it’s time to upgrade. The new standard is in the 5GHz range and its sexy new designation is 802.11n. These romantic numbers give you a clue as to the transfer speed of the dev...