Wireless Internet for Laptop Computer Users

Wireless internet for laptop use is deceptively easy. The basic components: routers and wireless adapters will work straight from the box. Just plug them in and they work. The catch is that the default settings don't activate any security. They deliver a wide open public network and literally broadcast an invitation to hackers. By default wireless routers and adapters are insecure. The passwords set to classics such as "admin" and neither encryption nor firewalls enabled.

New wireless internet for laptop users quickly discover that their networks aren't contained by the walls of a house or office. Their networks are almost certainly visible to neighbors or anyone else with a wireless enabled laptop who is passing. Uninvited guests can automatically piggy back off these networks and record passwords with a keylogger. They can use bandwidth without paying and also engage in illegal activity that is traceable back to your account.

The internet is an extremely public place , anonymity is a myth. Be aware that ISP's and search engines record details of every site we visit. Anyone providing a "free" wireless service can track our surfing habits. For these reasons, many web surfers would rather use a neighbor's internet connection or anonymous proxies to conceal their identity.

Furthermore, unless your laptop and wireless network are secured your neighbors are able to view everything you do on your PC as well as read all your files and make copies of them. It's worth spending a few minutes activating wireless security and installing a laptop encryption product such as PGP

The original Wi-Fi encryption tool was WEP or Wired Equivalent Protocol. Most wireless networks still use WEP despite the fact that it provides little security. It can be cracked in minutes. Don't use WEP.

WEP was superseded by WPA wireless network security. It provides extremely strong encryption subject to the use of a strong password.

When correctly configured a wireless router will act as a physical firewall. It can hide an IP address, as well as control the visibility of a network, who can access it and when. By default the firewall should be enabled, but it's essential to check and confirm.

Setting up and securing a wirless network can be tedious and frustrating for anyone who is unfamiliar with the subject. The best way to get the job done and have peace of mind is to use Network Magic.

Using a wireless hot spot is a high risk business. They are intended to be open and insecure. Should you log into an on-line bank account and pay a few bills while having a cappuccino at Starbucks? Definitely not. Hot spots are prime destinations for cyber-criminals.

Essential precautions include the installation of a first class software firewall. There are many free firewalls available for download and Microsoft bundles one with Windows, but it's worth making a small investment in a commercial grade product. Better still install a comprehensive internet security suite from Kaspersky or ZoneAlarm.

It's now impossible to conceive of a world without wireless internet for laptop use. All laptops have wireless built in and even the best broadband routers are cheap. The challenge is in coming to grips with wireless security, it cannot be taken for granted.