The concept of wireless computing is one that has come into it’s own. However, the term ‘wireless’ is rather ambiguous to the novice computer user and needs some clarification for the purposes of this article. For the average home computer user, there are two kinds of ‘wireless’. There is wireless networking and then there is ‘wireless’ Internet. Though they are both wireless, they are completely different things.
Wireless networking is the connecting of 2 or more computers using wireless network adapters installed to the computers and a wireless hub or router. If you have 2 or more computers that you want to connect to each other for sharing files or a printer, but you don’t want to, or can’t string network cables in your home or office, this is an ideal solution. You may also want to consider this if one or more of the computers are laptops and you want the freedom to move from place to place and still have that sharing capability.
The other form of ‘wireless’ is wireless Internet. This allows the computer user to connect to the Internet without having to be hardwired. DSL uses the phone line as a means to connect to the Internet and Cable uses the actual TV cable to connect you to the Internet. This type of Internet connection is also typically a broadband connection. Broadband is simply a really fast connection.
The big problem with DSL, Cable and other hardwired Internet options is that if you live in a rural area, like I do, you probably don’t have access to them. This means that, until recently, your only other option was, dare I say it, dial-up. You most likely can find an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that can give you Internet access via dial-up, even in a rural area, but this is not a very desirable solution. Today’s Internet is laden with graphics and other unseen components that make even simple web surfing via dial-up so slow and arduous you will soon want to throw your PC out the window.
It used to be that the only other option for us country dwellers was a satellite system that could cost $300 or more for equipment and then another $50 a month service fee. But now, we have more options available to us. Most of the major satellite TV providers like Dish Network and Direct TV now offer wireless Internet at a fairly reasonable rate. There is still the upfront purchase of equipment, but this cost is far less than it used to be.
A relative newcomer to the scene is what is called ‘WISP’ (Wireless Internet Service Provider). In my area, a cell phone company called Cricket offers a wireless solution via a USB modem that plugs into your computer and provides instant access. It is portable, the hardware cost (for the modem), is a fraction of satellite systems and the monthly fee is in-line with most other wireless services. One drawback to this kind of wireless solution is that, just like a cell phone, coverage may be limited. So, if you consider this option, make sure that there is adequate coverage in your area by the service provider.
So, when shopping for a wireless solution, make sure you have the correct terms for the equipment and/or service you are looking for.
-Wireless networking means to connect 2 computers together without wires.
-Wireless Internet means to connect to the Internet without a hardwire coming into your home or office.
So, never fear, there is now a way for even us country folk to join the 21st century!
