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Easy Internet Access

Now that we’ve gone mobile with our computing, easy internet access is not a challenge, but a demand. People are accustomed to being able to get access to email, app stores and social networking sites while they’re out and about. That means that the mobile technology industry is constantly working to make easy internet access as common as the cell phone itself.

Every city boasts free hotspots, and there are usually restaurants and coffee shops near these places. The mobile device user can easily log on to the wireless network and take care of online business. Built-in wireless connections on laptops are a common feature these days. Since wireless technology is a given on laptops, it was only a matter of time before it would appear in smart phones.

With the smart phone you have options. You can use your 3G or 4G network to get access to the Internet, or you can use your wireless connection. Unlike a laptop computer, you’re never far away from your email, favorite website or app store. Along with accessibility, wireless technology is extremely affordable. With prepaid plans through companies like Cricket, you can pay as you go and not worry about expensive long-term contracts.

Smart phones are considered a consumer product instead of a business product these days, so the technology is quickly advancing to meet the needs of everyone; not just business people. That means their ability to connect to the Internet is a top feature. When you’re driving or out of wi-fi range, you can almost always rely on your 3G network to keep you connected.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet Tagged With: , ,

Protecting Your Personal Information at Internet Hotspots

Computer Time 

Image by Thomas Hawk via Flickr

Public wireless hotspots have become nearly ubiquitous, especially in urban areas. Almost everyone has typed the next great American novel while in a coffee shop or looked up places to eat in their hotel room. However, if you use public wireless Internet connections, you open yourself up to possible attacks or infiltration by other computers that are also sharing the public network with you.

There’s no need to worry though – you can protect your data with simple steps. You can’t make your computer completely invulnerable, they will present a barrier to anyone with ill intent and makes your computer a less likely target.

First of all, the most basic computer safety tip is to install antivirus or anti-malware software. Some are better than others to the point that some programs can actually help catch threats before they become a problem by recognizing the signs of common attacks or known malware on a webpage. Just a little research can help you find the right antivirus or antimalware protection for you, no matter what your budget.

Second of all, don’t log onto any websites that don’t use a secure session (indicated by the https:// in the URL). Your login credentials – whether to Facebook or to online merchants – can be captured by other people on the hotspot if you’re not logging in through a secure page. Some email clients, including Outlook Express, default to a non-secure session as well, so these should be avoided on a public connection unless you know that your session is secure.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Free Internet Access Wherever You Are

The Fantastic 4 

Image by Kim Bach via Flickr

Whether you’re on vacation, traveling for work or just out and about in general, sometimes it’s important to have access to a free Internet connection. It could be as simple as answering an important email or as complex as needing to dedicate significant time to fix a problem but you can’t do either unless you’re prepared and know how to find a free Internet connection while on the move.

First of all, you’ll need a laptop with a wi-fi adapter or a desktop computer. If you travel with a wireless-ready laptop already, you’re halfway there toward getting the Internet access you need to stay connected with school, work, gaming buddies or loved ones.

Next, you need to find a wireless hotspot. Restaurants, downtown areas, libraries and other buildings and businesses are rapidly adding free, high-speed Internet connections to help cater to guests and potential customers like you. If you have time to look up possible hotspots before you leave on a trip, you can find lists of free wireless hotspots around the United States and other countries online. If your smart mobile phone has access to applications from the Apple Store, Blackberry App World or the Android Marketplace, you actually have access to several different applications that can provide you information on where the nearest public Internet hotspot is located.

If you didn’t get a chance to check where Internet connections would be before you left for your destination and you don’t have access to a smartphone, don’t despair. There are some popular places where you are likely to find free wireless Internet: coffee shops, some casual restaurants and hotels.

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Tips Tagged With: , ,

Taking Advantage of Hot Spots for Your Wireless Internet Connection

The notebook is connected to the wireless acce...

Image via Wikipedia

These days most people have wireless modems in their laptop computers, it’s hard to find a new computer without one. This allows the user greater versatility and mobility. The user can easily meet up with a client or even just a friend at a local cafe and gain access to the internet through what is known in the tech world as a hot spot.

So what is a hot spot? To put it simply, a hot spot is an area or a site that offers free internet access through a wireless local area network and via WI-FI technology. The most popular hot spots are cafes and other places where people gather to meet up. This technology makes it easier for those wanting to conduct business in an informal setting whilst still being able to connect to the internet via their laptop.

With advances in technology, it is not only laptop users who are taking advantage of hotspots while down at the local cafe. Those with a smart phone are quickly able to jump on the internet and check out the weather or the traffic report, or quickly check for any new emails.

Many people are taking advantage of this technology. It provides a convenient way to keep up-to-date on both work and personal matters. Found in many cafes, as well as libraries, restaurants, train stations, airports, bookstores, hotels, and even supermarkets it is easy to stay connected and always know what is going on. When you are away from home, be sure to keep an eye out for a hot spot. They’re easy to find, just look for all the laptops!

Filed Under: Computers, Internet, Technology Tagged With: , ,

The Internet and Productivity

If your business or workplace has internet access, you’ve most likely use it on a daily basis to respond to emails, access company information, or other related tasks. However, when dealing with internet usage at work you have to be careful to ensure that you stay productive.

When checking your email don’t keep reading the same email over and over- read it once, act on it, and move on with your day. If you use social networking sites, allot a certain amount of time each day, and have a goal in mind. Don’t just sit on the internet reloading Twitter all day- have a purpose for being on there. For example, respond to all messages left for you, decide how many people you are going to connect with, and update your status.

Everyone needs a break in order to clear his or her mind. Don’t feel bad if you get sidetracked and end up surfing a news website for a few minutes. But just make sure you have actually completed some work before you do that. If after every hour of work you need a 10-minute internet break- that is fine, as long as your boss isn’t going to get upset. Taking a quick break won’t hurt your productivity, and in fact the mental rest could help increase it because you’ll feel refreshed.

So when keeping productivity in mind, make sure you are actually getting work done. Have concrete work goals set for each day, and make sure you are checking things off of your list before you start to surf the web.

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