I don't even have a laptop.
I finally got a cell phone in 1999 but only because of a woman.
There was a chick I was nuts about.
We were both in vice. It seemed so right.
We met at a Conservative synagogue on a Friday night.
We bonded over a movie set in the Catskills in 1969 - Walk on the Moon.
Anyway, that was the night I fell for her.
It was a beautiful movie and she's a beautiful woman.
We walked out in to the parking lot and I confessed my sins.
She accepted me.
It was a beautiful thing.
We missed each other coming and going.
One day she left a message on my home machine asking me to a concert that night.
I didn't have a cell phone and I didn't check my messages. So I missed that opportunity and I never got to go out with her again.
I was so ticked off I went and got a cell phone.
I've hardly used it over the past nine years. I only turn it on once or twice a week (unless there's something special).
The first mass wave of wireless connectivity was the cell phone.
Then it was the computer notebook.
Titus Hoskins writes July 1, 2005:
Wireless notebooks uses three major wireless data standards in order to transfer data. The one that is probably most common is 802.11b, also called Wi-Fi which stands for Wireless Fidelity.
Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps for up to 150 feet. It uses the 2.4GHz radio spectrum and although it says 11Mbps, you will probably only get around 4-6Mbps in actual use. But this is enough bandwidth for high speed Internet, gaming and most file transfers.
The 802.11a is another standard that uses the 5GHz radio spectrum, so it has 8 channels available instead of only 3 that’s available with 802.11b. The ‘a’ version also permits a larger transfer, at a maximum of 54Mbps.
The other standard, 802.11g, is a hybrid of ‘A’ and ‘B’ - its also capable of 54Mbps but it uses the 2.4 GHz spectrum and is compatible with 802.11b devices. Some notebooks like the Fujitsu LifeBook N6010, have a tri-mode 802.11a/b/g wireless system that uses all three forms!
The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! Sounds like one of those funny robots from Starwars - but it stands for evolution-data optimized. This new technology will change how we view and use the world wide web.
Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO began commercial operations in Oct. of 2003 and is now expanding to over 125 million US consumers by the end of 2005. With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps, 3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. It has or will turn the Internet into a truly wireless system that’s devoid of any cables or lines. It will be everywhere - no space within our biosphere will be without the Internet very soon.
Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless network adaptor for each computer. Also, many notebooks and computers come with a Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless communication between any sort of electronic devices - from cell phones to computer to stereos to headphones.
However, if you’re setting up a wireless network or if you’re using your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports - security will be a concern. Anyone, within distance possessing the right equipment and a little ingenuity may get access to this wireless system. For major corporations or the lowly homeowner; safeguards need to be taken to prevent unwanted visitors from interrupting your peaceful wireless universe.
There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks, WEP and MAC address filtering. The MAC (Media Access Control) is the physical address or unique hardware identifier given to each device in the network. Then you manually enter a list of addresses that can use or access your wireless network.
The other filtering process is more secure, WEP or Wireless Encryption Protocol requires a shared key between the users and then using this key to encrypt and de-encrypt data that’s transmitted between your network users.
Many major hotel chains and other businesses are now offering ‘Wi-Fi’ services as an added convenience to their patrons. These ‘hot spots’ are popping up everywhere, even at some gas stations. You may need to sign in or get a password or key to access these services.
But like your cell phone conversations, any radio transfer or transmission will not be as secure as a wired connection. Keep this in mind if privacy is a major concern for you. But don’t let it stop you from enjoying the convenience, portability and practicality of your wireless notebook or laptop.
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