Most wifi users make use of public domain email server with the wrong feeling that their mails is private, the fact is; it is very easy to counterfeit emails; i.e., to send email as if it came from an important person. This in fact means forging the senders credential to unsuspecting recipient.
It is common for your email to be read while it is being transmitted: left to its own, email is like an open letter addressed to someone. Security agencies world over are looking at emails via computerized scans.
Anyone could send you email posing as someone else or using systems that can shield their email address and replace it with another, this action can be very disturbing.
It is also quite easy for someone to alter the content of email after it has left your machine: this requires more technical skills then the simple forging of a return address, but standard internet email provides no protection against it.
Some public email system use a form of authentication to which attaches it to the sender of all messages, and the software used to read email checks this. This system can verify whether or not an email has been compromised. To get out of the so called wifi for dummies email scams, then you should install a digital certificate on your computer.
Digital signatures provide evidence who email comes from, and that it has not been compromised in anyway. All wifi users should form a habit of using digital signatures for vital email; you will have a lot of credibility if you ever need to disown forged mail that appears to be from you. They also allow you to encrypt email so that no one can read it except the recipient.
A favorite trick of junk-mail senders (spammers), is simply done on the return address, you simply alter your email address in the settings in your email software i.e. your email "client") The next message you send will have the forged return address; the only way to discover this is by checking for inconsistency indicating that the mail is probably fake, but it is very demanding.
With digital keys, you can also encrypt a message so that it is only readable by the recipient. Signing a message proves who it came from, but anyone can read the message in transit through the internet (although changing the message invalidates the signature). Encrypting makes sure the message is unreadable during transit.
Before you can encrypt a message to someone, you need their "public key", which you get automatically if they send you a signed message. It is also possible to get public keys from directories, if your desired correspondent has stored their public key with a directory.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wifi for dummies: 5 baby steps to connect your laptop to wifi client(windows)
Laptops support the convenience of movement, since you can connect to the internet from anywhere as long as it has wi-fi network or wifi network as popularly used. You can do online games or expand your office task venue to various locations, work at your favorite coffee shop, which is a attractive satisfying experience. As long as your laptop has a wireless card installed or is it has internal adaptor it can get to the internet. Just configure the wireless connections as it should be and you’ll be browsing the net in no time.
It is assumed that the wifi network is within range i.e. your laptop is within the radius of the transmitting router or access point(AP) and you laptop wireless capability is enabled with the appropriate driver installed.
Step 1: Start up your computer and allow it to boot completely
Step 2: Check somewhere at the bottom left corner of your screen(the task bar or system tray) you will find the wifi connection icon
step3: Right click on the wifi connection icon and select view available network or connect to a nectwork for vista
step 4: Sellect the SSID of the network you want to connect to and click connnect
step 5: When you are prompted to fill in the network key which is a 10 digit combination of
letters and numbers, you type in the key giving you by the network administrator, select the security level either WEP or WPA and then connect
Alternetively,
step 1: From step 3 above click on "Properties."
step 2: Select the tab to scan available network.
step 3: Select your SSID and click on add at the bottom of the dialog box
step 4: If however your Wifi network isn't in the "Available Networks" section, then you need to manually include it
Step 5: Add your network SSID, WEP key and click on ok
If you are a Mac usersand you wish to connectto wifi, then you have no problem because Macs are user-friendly, so naturally, their wireless settings are easy to configure. Only make sure your Macbook has an AirPort card. This is your laptop’s means of picking up wireless signals.
To configure your wifi, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo, which opens the main menu.
Step 2: Select Applications and Click on Internet Connect, which pulls up the Internet Connect screen.
Step 3: View the tabs then click on AirPort
Step 4: Turn on the AirPort. It will, then, pick up the wireless networks in area. Click on a wireless network
Step 5: . Supply a user name and a password, if necessary. Open Safari and enjoy your time online.
It is assumed that the wifi network is within range i.e. your laptop is within the radius of the transmitting router or access point(AP) and you laptop wireless capability is enabled with the appropriate driver installed.
Step 1: Start up your computer and allow it to boot completely
Step 2: Check somewhere at the bottom left corner of your screen(the task bar or system tray) you will find the wifi connection icon
step3: Right click on the wifi connection icon and select view available network or connect to a nectwork for vista
step 4: Sellect the SSID of the network you want to connect to and click connnect
step 5: When you are prompted to fill in the network key which is a 10 digit combination of
letters and numbers, you type in the key giving you by the network administrator, select the security level either WEP or WPA and then connect
Alternetively,
step 1: From step 3 above click on "Properties."
step 2: Select the tab to scan available network.
step 3: Select your SSID and click on add at the bottom of the dialog box
step 4: If however your Wifi network isn't in the "Available Networks" section, then you need to manually include it
Step 5: Add your network SSID, WEP key and click on ok
If you are a Mac usersand you wish to connectto wifi, then you have no problem because Macs are user-friendly, so naturally, their wireless settings are easy to configure. Only make sure your Macbook has an AirPort card. This is your laptop’s means of picking up wireless signals.
To configure your wifi, follow the following steps:
Step 1: Click on the Apple logo, which opens the main menu.
Step 2: Select Applications and Click on Internet Connect, which pulls up the Internet Connect screen.
Step 3: View the tabs then click on AirPort
Step 4: Turn on the AirPort. It will, then, pick up the wireless networks in area. Click on a wireless network
Step 5: . Supply a user name and a password, if necessary. Open Safari and enjoy your time online.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Wi-fi Technology
WiFi is another word used to describe wireless internet or wireless network, its often used by none technical users who is only knowledgeable on how to access wireless internet network. WiFi is essentially an acronym meaning wireless fidelity. It could also be possible that some advance user may be ignorant of this terminology. More or less it is sometimes referred to as Wifi. The term Wi-Fi term is written in many ways such as, Wifi, WiFi, WIFI, Wi-Fi, fiwi etc.
Origin
Wi-Fi was introduced by Wi-Fi alliance in 1985. At that time it wasn't widely used but were just restrcted to certain organizations for testing purposes. Wi-Fi Alliance pioneered the development of WiFi technology, hence all the hardware associated with Wifi is mostly certified by Wifi Alliance compliance. Wifi later developed this technology and then eventually lunched for public use in USA in 90’s, so became the standards for most of the computer communications in numerous establishments around the world.Wifi standard technology refers to all associated hardware and technology encompassing the 802.11 network standards which is set by IEEE. IEEE is short form of Institute of electric and electronic engineering. There are lots of enhancements made in standards of 802.11 and 802.11a, 802.11b and other dual networks. The latest standard of 802.11 families is 802.11y. Other known standards are 802.16. These are the standards technology referred to as WiMax. In recent times there is an immerging technology which is IEEE 802.3.
Wifi security
The development of wifi networks is still in progress. Wifi for the most part is extensively used network world wide and many companies like banks transfer their sensitive data using Wireless networks. With this increased use of Wireless network, it brings potentially risk for critical data of users or organization. Data can be encrypted before sending it through wifi network even highly sensitive. WiFi security mechanism must ensures certain level of data integrity and confidentiality just as wired network provides. However, if proper security measures are not adopted, intruders can attack the network and can cause major damage to not only network but privacy of users.
Neatness of office area
There was a time when cables were used to network many computers simultaneously. Hardware like routers, hubs, switches etc took over wired communication between computers. It has brought high tech change in communication of computers by enabling wireless connectivity. It just keeps things very simple without much hassle and networks connections can be made far more easily. No wires are required. Wireless network keeps environment very tidy and more organised. There are many other features of Wireless LANs for example high speed connectivity. Wifi provides high speed connectivity and faster communication where cables are not practical to integrate for example in remote areas. The important features associated with it included Site survey, enterprise grade equipment, Scalability of systems, VPN Compatibility, flexible authentication methods, Guest satisfaction, End user mobility and easy access through Hotspots.
WiFi supports two different modes;
They are infrastructure and the ad hoc. The Ad hoc Wireless connections can be made without the use of the device called router or access point. Most network administrators prefer ad hoc over infrastructure mode. Ad hoc however have issues that must be tackled from time to time. Wifi devices connected using Ad hoc mode offers less security against unauthorized users. Ad hoc mode configuration that not permit disabling SSID broadcast in contrast to infrastructure mode, this brings hackers into play, and using ad hoc mode it is not very difficult for intruders to enter into the wireless network. There are two major differences between these two modes which is the rate at which data is transmitted accross the network. Wifi network standard 802.11g requires Ad hoc mode of communication to support 11Mbps bandwidth in contrast to it 54Mbps data transfer which is supported using infrastructure mode. Hence Ad hoc mode is considered much slower than Infrastructure mode.
Wireless based networks usage is becoming more popular in most develope countries; every organization is acquiring it if it was not using it before. Some cities have actually provided the entire city a wifi and turn the city into hotspot, big example in front of us is Chicago. Chicago have installed huge transmitter in shape of big size dish of Wifi which broadcast Wireless LAN radio signals throughout the city. It provides high speed internet connectivity very cheaply. Laptops, desktop computers, PDAs and other Wireless LAN card installed devices can access the network and get high speed connectivity on move. WiFi users is increasing by the day and so the hardware manufacturers are manufacturing the products on large scale scale. These products are easily available in market with reasonable cost. Laptops, PDAs, mother boards of latest desktop computer now come with built-in wireless LAN cards. If it is not installed already in your laptop one can buy PCMCI slot wifi card to install for accessing wireless network. Wifi PCI cards are also widely available in market. Now USB wifi are also ailable for short range but still works good.
Intelligent routers are available in market which works to connect different devices to wireless network. These routers can be configured with or without PC. All is required to plug internet cable in Ethernet or USB port to router’s appropriate port. When internet is available to routers it can be configured using its control panel using IP 192.168.1.1. That’s where we can enable SSID broadcasting or disable it and perform other functions. PCs can also be attached to routers for more advance management which routers cannot performs. PCs are mostly required to be used where network is huge and keeping and maintaining its integrity and stability is very important.
In this modern era everyone wants everything wireless, Wifi belongs to wireless technology family. There are so many other wireless technologies which have evolved around the time and Wifi is now been taken for granted and internet users in the world is now talking about much advanced and enhanced wireless network known as WiMax. WiMax is an advanced technology which goes several steps ahead of Wifi technology on many bases which includes Speed at which data is transferred, range with which connection is made and so much more.
Lets keep our fingers crossed as we see emerging technology one wonders which technology replace WiMax .
Origin
Wi-Fi was introduced by Wi-Fi alliance in 1985. At that time it wasn't widely used but were just restrcted to certain organizations for testing purposes. Wi-Fi Alliance pioneered the development of WiFi technology, hence all the hardware associated with Wifi is mostly certified by Wifi Alliance compliance. Wifi later developed this technology and then eventually lunched for public use in USA in 90’s, so became the standards for most of the computer communications in numerous establishments around the world.Wifi standard technology refers to all associated hardware and technology encompassing the 802.11 network standards which is set by IEEE. IEEE is short form of Institute of electric and electronic engineering. There are lots of enhancements made in standards of 802.11 and 802.11a, 802.11b and other dual networks. The latest standard of 802.11 families is 802.11y. Other known standards are 802.16. These are the standards technology referred to as WiMax. In recent times there is an immerging technology which is IEEE 802.3.
Wifi security
The development of wifi networks is still in progress. Wifi for the most part is extensively used network world wide and many companies like banks transfer their sensitive data using Wireless networks. With this increased use of Wireless network, it brings potentially risk for critical data of users or organization. Data can be encrypted before sending it through wifi network even highly sensitive. WiFi security mechanism must ensures certain level of data integrity and confidentiality just as wired network provides. However, if proper security measures are not adopted, intruders can attack the network and can cause major damage to not only network but privacy of users.
Neatness of office area
There was a time when cables were used to network many computers simultaneously. Hardware like routers, hubs, switches etc took over wired communication between computers. It has brought high tech change in communication of computers by enabling wireless connectivity. It just keeps things very simple without much hassle and networks connections can be made far more easily. No wires are required. Wireless network keeps environment very tidy and more organised. There are many other features of Wireless LANs for example high speed connectivity. Wifi provides high speed connectivity and faster communication where cables are not practical to integrate for example in remote areas. The important features associated with it included Site survey, enterprise grade equipment, Scalability of systems, VPN Compatibility, flexible authentication methods, Guest satisfaction, End user mobility and easy access through Hotspots.
WiFi supports two different modes;
They are infrastructure and the ad hoc. The Ad hoc Wireless connections can be made without the use of the device called router or access point. Most network administrators prefer ad hoc over infrastructure mode. Ad hoc however have issues that must be tackled from time to time. Wifi devices connected using Ad hoc mode offers less security against unauthorized users. Ad hoc mode configuration that not permit disabling SSID broadcast in contrast to infrastructure mode, this brings hackers into play, and using ad hoc mode it is not very difficult for intruders to enter into the wireless network. There are two major differences between these two modes which is the rate at which data is transmitted accross the network. Wifi network standard 802.11g requires Ad hoc mode of communication to support 11Mbps bandwidth in contrast to it 54Mbps data transfer which is supported using infrastructure mode. Hence Ad hoc mode is considered much slower than Infrastructure mode.
Wireless based networks usage is becoming more popular in most develope countries; every organization is acquiring it if it was not using it before. Some cities have actually provided the entire city a wifi and turn the city into hotspot, big example in front of us is Chicago. Chicago have installed huge transmitter in shape of big size dish of Wifi which broadcast Wireless LAN radio signals throughout the city. It provides high speed internet connectivity very cheaply. Laptops, desktop computers, PDAs and other Wireless LAN card installed devices can access the network and get high speed connectivity on move. WiFi users is increasing by the day and so the hardware manufacturers are manufacturing the products on large scale scale. These products are easily available in market with reasonable cost. Laptops, PDAs, mother boards of latest desktop computer now come with built-in wireless LAN cards. If it is not installed already in your laptop one can buy PCMCI slot wifi card to install for accessing wireless network. Wifi PCI cards are also widely available in market. Now USB wifi are also ailable for short range but still works good.
Intelligent routers are available in market which works to connect different devices to wireless network. These routers can be configured with or without PC. All is required to plug internet cable in Ethernet or USB port to router’s appropriate port. When internet is available to routers it can be configured using its control panel using IP 192.168.1.1. That’s where we can enable SSID broadcasting or disable it and perform other functions. PCs can also be attached to routers for more advance management which routers cannot performs. PCs are mostly required to be used where network is huge and keeping and maintaining its integrity and stability is very important.
In this modern era everyone wants everything wireless, Wifi belongs to wireless technology family. There are so many other wireless technologies which have evolved around the time and Wifi is now been taken for granted and internet users in the world is now talking about much advanced and enhanced wireless network known as WiMax. WiMax is an advanced technology which goes several steps ahead of Wifi technology on many bases which includes Speed at which data is transferred, range with which connection is made and so much more.
Lets keep our fingers crossed as we see emerging technology one wonders which technology replace WiMax .
Wifi for Dummies
Wifi and wireless connection for newbie’s could become a daunting task without the help of a competent hand. You want a home wireless network, but you're afraid it won't work. Here's how to do it right.Wireless networking is the best thing to happen to the Internet since the browser, but whoever came up with it should have tested it at home first.
The current crop of 802.11 wifi equipment can reach through a room or two, but many homeowners find it's not enough to cover the entire house and yard. Wi-Fi (wifi) uses a microwave radio signal to reach through walls, floors, and ceilings, just like a cordless phone. But these obstacles also dampen the signal just as they do with the phone. The advertised range for Wi-Fi is 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, but in real life it often fails to reach from the kitchen to the living room, or upstairs to the bedroom.When you want to connect your computer to a local area network you use a RG45 connector cable but if you want to connect you presero or HP Laptop having a wifi capability to the Internet you don’t need to plug a network cable into your computer. Wifi for dummies will show any net user determined to exercise his inalienable right to surf the Web from the swimming pool, or someone that want to blanket an entire property with Wi-Fi, using only off-the-shelf consumer hardware and without running more cables.
That meant setting up multiple Wi-Fi bases ("access points," as they're called) linked back to a single DSL line which you connect via the wireless router, a device that connects to the LAN and the high speed/ broadband internet modem by wire, and then shares those connections through wireless radio signals with wireless users in range.
Laptops come with a wireless-transceiver which simplifies Wifi connection on high-speed Internet access. Wifi adaptors in laptops makes it easy to connect computers, printers, fax machines, and phones into a single communication network without having to string wires around your office.
This article: wifi for dummies will not be complete if I don’t explain some simple facts;
A Wifi network is made up of wireless routers; sometimes it may involve a series of routers of AirPort Extreme, Linksys or Belkin. In order to set up a Wifi network, you need a broadband ISP connection, a cable or DSL modem, a wireless router, and a set of wireless receiving devices for the wireless clients you expect to access the LAN which is your laptop.
Fundamentally, there are two types of wireless networks:
Wireless Distribution Systems: WDS; the most common business networks today) and Mesh networks. The fundamental difference is that Mesh networks provide automatic discovery and configuration. That means if one of the links in a Mesh network fails, the network attempts to find an alternative path around the failed router.
If a WDS link fails, you're out of luck until a technician fixes the router or creates a different connection. WDS systems require the network administrator to configure all connections between Access Points manually so each Access Point knows where to find all the other APs in the matrix; Mesh does the job automatically.
Technical issues this wifi for dummies should not include: Ignore it if you care!
All wireless network devices are based on the IEEE's 802.11 standard, but there are 4 flavors:The original standard, 802.11b, is still quite common. It operates at 2.4 GHz and generally achieves 6 Mbps of actual data transfer. One reason that rates so low is that in this frequency range interference from other wireless devices like phones, other notebook computers, even microwave ovens slow the signal. 802.11a was a step up from 802.11b. It operates at a higher frequency (5.8 GHz) in order to avoid wireless interference, but at the same time it is more vulnerable to signal loss through walls and other obstacles, so its range of service is smaller. An 802.11a AP may only cover an area 25 percent as large as an 802.11b AP.
Theoretically data rates can reach to 54 Mbps, but in reality most users seldom exceed 15 or 20 Mbps. 802.11a equipment tends to be pricier than 802.11b. 802.11g, the current standard, splits the differences between "b" and "a" by using 802.11a's higher bit-rate along with "b"s lower frequency band. Real-life throughput is only 25 Mbps, but area coverage is better than "a," and "g" equipment is backward-compatible with the b standard. 802.11n, the wave of the future, is still under construction, but it promises to deliver throughput up to 50 times greater than b, and 10 times greater than a or g.
Power to the AP
If you spend much time looking at Wifi equipment specifications, you'll start seeing the acronym "POE" fairly often. That stands for Power over Ethernet, and it refers to technology that provides connection to Access Points and even remote wireless routers without needing to plug them into a wall outlet. The power comes down the same Ethernet cable as the data. It comes in very handy for deploying APs quickly and inexpensively.
Be sure to follow the instructions slowly and type in configuration numbers carefully. Unlike most computer setup operations, mis-configuring a wireless base can have dire consequences—including disabling all your wireless hardware. To start configuration poke at the factory reset buttons with a paper clip to start over from scratch.The most important factor in Wi-Fi is location.
Distance saps wireless strength, and so do most construction materials. Keep your base stations away from solid walls and doors, as well as any metal objects or computer equipment. Put them near windows or hollow walls instead. Our test home's lightweight California stucco walls turned out to have impenetrable wire mesh inside them. To reach outside, we placed the unit in sight of a window facing the pool. Most home window glass is transparent to microwaves as well as light, so a window is better than a wall or a door.Walls and other equipment indoors interfere with the radio signal and reduce the radius of effective wireless coverage. You can expect to get an effective 100 foot radius of indoor service from a router or AP, and 300 feet outdoor (where there are fewer obstacles to interfere with the radio waves).
To expand the service area of your wireless network, you can add additional APs and interconnect those using standard Ethernet cables or special wireless connections. If you're fortunate enough to live somewhere bigger, additional bases on upper and lower floors will stretch your network's range. This device have spherical coverage pattern into a circular disk that reaches further horizontally, at the expense of vertical coverage to floors above or below. Before you buy more hardware, though, it's always worth moving the base station to a different spot, rotating it, or standing it on its side.
The results may defy common sense, but go with what works.Under our plan blanketing your estate in Wi-Fi will cost at least $249 and could run to a thousand bucks or more for a castle in the Hamptons. But as with your first computer or first Internet connection, you'll get a return on investment that can't be counted in the household budget.
The first time you dispose of a tedious backlog of e-mail while kicking back in your favorite lawn chair, you'll know instantly your new network is worth every penny.The average user has no idea of the risks associated with public Wi-Fi hotspots. Here are some very simple tips for them to keep their network access secure. Many hotels provide free wireless access with little or no security in cooperated into it. Anyone who uses free WiFi without understanding inherent data risks is left at the mercy of hackers
WEP and WPA
Most people know by now that they should connect to a wireless connection using one of two encryption technologies: either WEP OR WPA Sure, WPA is a heck of a lot better than WEP, but even WEP is better than nothing. However, that's what most hotels use: nothing. Free wireless is an add-on, so they want to keep costs low. WEP or WPA would add additional complications and expense, and additional customer support where none would be available, so most hotels just run their wireless wide open. That means that unless you're specifically given a WEP or WPA key to enter, assume that everything your computer is sending or receiving is sent in the clear. Meaning, anyone who knows what they're doing can see many of your passwords once you type them in.
To use that wireless connection securely, then, you need to worry about the programs you're using to access the Net.Wifi users use the web for sending and receiving email, and IM friends and associates. Sure, lots of programs use the Net in some way, but the three I just mentioned are the most common.
Web: When it comes to web browsers at the hotel, there's one big piece of advice you should adhere to: don't use Internet Explorer! Yes, Microsoft has released a preview of the beta of the forthcoming IE7, and it does look better in a lot of ways (although holes were found almost immediately upon its release, but hey, it's a preview of a beta), but that final release is still a long ways off. For now, use IE 6 only if you are absolutely forced to.So what should you use instead? Use Firefox, Opera - or Safari if you're a Mac user. All three are free, powerful yet easy to use, and all are safer than Internet Explorer. I'm partial to Firefox but you should be interested in Firefox for its excellent security record (especially when compared to Internet Explorer's truly abysmal security problems) and the extensions that help you secure the browser and your Internet usage even more.
Once you have your browser open, use your head. Avoid web sites in which you're viewing or entering user names, passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive data ... unless those sites use https instead of http. If you have to log in somewhere, but the web page's URL begins with https, then it's using a technology called SSL, and it's OK; if the URL begins with http, be careful.
If you're just reading the news or sports scores, don't worry about it, but if you're working with sensitive data, do not view or enter information on those types of pages.If your company provides you with VPN access on your laptop, use it. That's a sure fire way to ensure that everything you send and receive is encrypted, and it makes your surfing much safer.
Email
You can check your email in two ways: using a web browser, or using an email program running on your computer (like Outlook, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Eudora, and others). Let's talk about each of those in turn. Email via Web Browser. There are companies that provide email primarily through web browsers, like Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo! Mail, but most ISPs who allow people to download their email using programs also provide access to that same email using web browsers. Most every web mail out there provides a secure (https) page for logging in to check your email, but that's it. Your password will be safe, but none of your emails. Reading and writing emails is done using plain http, which means that everything is sent in the clear, not good.
I like Gmail a lot, but Gmail doesn't use https for reading emails (it does use it for logging in, though). To get around that, I installed the Customize Google extension for Firefox (and it only works in Firefox). Once the extension is installed, go to Tools > Customize Google Options. Go to the Gmail tab and make sure that "Secure (switch to https)" is checked. Press OK to close the window, and you're done. Now you'll log in to Gmail on an https page, and you'll read and send mail on https pages as well.
I like this solution because you don't have to think about it again.You can switch to https once you're in Gmail by simply clicking in your address bar, changing the http to https, and then loading the page. Now everything is secure ... as long as you don't close your browser. If you do, you need to manually change to https again, and again.
The Customize Google extension does this automatically, so it's a better solution.Hotmail offers a "secure mode" that uses SSL, but by default you login at an insecure http page, just like you do with Yahoo! - which isn't good. For either service you can click on the tiny "Sign in using enhanced security" or "Submit over SSL" link that most people will never see.
Advice
Furthermore, it is advisable to use access points all of the same model of hardware, rather than mixing one kind of central base station with different satellite units as I have noticed some tech guys do. Finally, you should chosen wifi equipment that has mass-market consumer hardware, not something sold to the "enterprise" niche of office IT professionals. That way, one could send any dummy to the mall with only one model of gadget to purchase, one for which they could find enough customer support. So that we could start with one, and then keep adding more of them until they covered the whole house.
Conclusion
It's possible to use your laptop safely in a hotel, but you have to take a bit of responsibility for that security. You'll need to use your common sense, change a few habits, and perhaps install and use some new software. I know that this is a lot for most people, but aren't your private data and conversations worth it? And if you have any questions, you know who you can call. If you're a security professional reading this column, why not show it to the Philips in your life and offer your help; if you're a Philip, try the advice in this column, and feel free to ask the computer person in your life for aid. I know they'll be glad to help.
The current crop of 802.11 wifi equipment can reach through a room or two, but many homeowners find it's not enough to cover the entire house and yard. Wi-Fi (wifi) uses a microwave radio signal to reach through walls, floors, and ceilings, just like a cordless phone. But these obstacles also dampen the signal just as they do with the phone. The advertised range for Wi-Fi is 150 feet indoors and 300 feet outdoors, but in real life it often fails to reach from the kitchen to the living room, or upstairs to the bedroom.When you want to connect your computer to a local area network you use a RG45 connector cable but if you want to connect you presero or HP Laptop having a wifi capability to the Internet you don’t need to plug a network cable into your computer. Wifi for dummies will show any net user determined to exercise his inalienable right to surf the Web from the swimming pool, or someone that want to blanket an entire property with Wi-Fi, using only off-the-shelf consumer hardware and without running more cables.
That meant setting up multiple Wi-Fi bases ("access points," as they're called) linked back to a single DSL line which you connect via the wireless router, a device that connects to the LAN and the high speed/ broadband internet modem by wire, and then shares those connections through wireless radio signals with wireless users in range.
Laptops come with a wireless-transceiver which simplifies Wifi connection on high-speed Internet access. Wifi adaptors in laptops makes it easy to connect computers, printers, fax machines, and phones into a single communication network without having to string wires around your office.
This article: wifi for dummies will not be complete if I don’t explain some simple facts;
A Wifi network is made up of wireless routers; sometimes it may involve a series of routers of AirPort Extreme, Linksys or Belkin. In order to set up a Wifi network, you need a broadband ISP connection, a cable or DSL modem, a wireless router, and a set of wireless receiving devices for the wireless clients you expect to access the LAN which is your laptop.
Fundamentally, there are two types of wireless networks:
Wireless Distribution Systems: WDS; the most common business networks today) and Mesh networks. The fundamental difference is that Mesh networks provide automatic discovery and configuration. That means if one of the links in a Mesh network fails, the network attempts to find an alternative path around the failed router.
If a WDS link fails, you're out of luck until a technician fixes the router or creates a different connection. WDS systems require the network administrator to configure all connections between Access Points manually so each Access Point knows where to find all the other APs in the matrix; Mesh does the job automatically.
Technical issues this wifi for dummies should not include: Ignore it if you care!
All wireless network devices are based on the IEEE's 802.11 standard, but there are 4 flavors:The original standard, 802.11b, is still quite common. It operates at 2.4 GHz and generally achieves 6 Mbps of actual data transfer. One reason that rates so low is that in this frequency range interference from other wireless devices like phones, other notebook computers, even microwave ovens slow the signal. 802.11a was a step up from 802.11b. It operates at a higher frequency (5.8 GHz) in order to avoid wireless interference, but at the same time it is more vulnerable to signal loss through walls and other obstacles, so its range of service is smaller. An 802.11a AP may only cover an area 25 percent as large as an 802.11b AP.
Theoretically data rates can reach to 54 Mbps, but in reality most users seldom exceed 15 or 20 Mbps. 802.11a equipment tends to be pricier than 802.11b. 802.11g, the current standard, splits the differences between "b" and "a" by using 802.11a's higher bit-rate along with "b"s lower frequency band. Real-life throughput is only 25 Mbps, but area coverage is better than "a," and "g" equipment is backward-compatible with the b standard. 802.11n, the wave of the future, is still under construction, but it promises to deliver throughput up to 50 times greater than b, and 10 times greater than a or g.
Power to the AP
If you spend much time looking at Wifi equipment specifications, you'll start seeing the acronym "POE" fairly often. That stands for Power over Ethernet, and it refers to technology that provides connection to Access Points and even remote wireless routers without needing to plug them into a wall outlet. The power comes down the same Ethernet cable as the data. It comes in very handy for deploying APs quickly and inexpensively.
Be sure to follow the instructions slowly and type in configuration numbers carefully. Unlike most computer setup operations, mis-configuring a wireless base can have dire consequences—including disabling all your wireless hardware. To start configuration poke at the factory reset buttons with a paper clip to start over from scratch.The most important factor in Wi-Fi is location.
Distance saps wireless strength, and so do most construction materials. Keep your base stations away from solid walls and doors, as well as any metal objects or computer equipment. Put them near windows or hollow walls instead. Our test home's lightweight California stucco walls turned out to have impenetrable wire mesh inside them. To reach outside, we placed the unit in sight of a window facing the pool. Most home window glass is transparent to microwaves as well as light, so a window is better than a wall or a door.Walls and other equipment indoors interfere with the radio signal and reduce the radius of effective wireless coverage. You can expect to get an effective 100 foot radius of indoor service from a router or AP, and 300 feet outdoor (where there are fewer obstacles to interfere with the radio waves).
To expand the service area of your wireless network, you can add additional APs and interconnect those using standard Ethernet cables or special wireless connections. If you're fortunate enough to live somewhere bigger, additional bases on upper and lower floors will stretch your network's range. This device have spherical coverage pattern into a circular disk that reaches further horizontally, at the expense of vertical coverage to floors above or below. Before you buy more hardware, though, it's always worth moving the base station to a different spot, rotating it, or standing it on its side.
The results may defy common sense, but go with what works.Under our plan blanketing your estate in Wi-Fi will cost at least $249 and could run to a thousand bucks or more for a castle in the Hamptons. But as with your first computer or first Internet connection, you'll get a return on investment that can't be counted in the household budget.
The first time you dispose of a tedious backlog of e-mail while kicking back in your favorite lawn chair, you'll know instantly your new network is worth every penny.The average user has no idea of the risks associated with public Wi-Fi hotspots. Here are some very simple tips for them to keep their network access secure. Many hotels provide free wireless access with little or no security in cooperated into it. Anyone who uses free WiFi without understanding inherent data risks is left at the mercy of hackers
WEP and WPA
Most people know by now that they should connect to a wireless connection using one of two encryption technologies: either WEP OR WPA Sure, WPA is a heck of a lot better than WEP, but even WEP is better than nothing. However, that's what most hotels use: nothing. Free wireless is an add-on, so they want to keep costs low. WEP or WPA would add additional complications and expense, and additional customer support where none would be available, so most hotels just run their wireless wide open. That means that unless you're specifically given a WEP or WPA key to enter, assume that everything your computer is sending or receiving is sent in the clear. Meaning, anyone who knows what they're doing can see many of your passwords once you type them in.
To use that wireless connection securely, then, you need to worry about the programs you're using to access the Net.Wifi users use the web for sending and receiving email, and IM friends and associates. Sure, lots of programs use the Net in some way, but the three I just mentioned are the most common.
Web: When it comes to web browsers at the hotel, there's one big piece of advice you should adhere to: don't use Internet Explorer! Yes, Microsoft has released a preview of the beta of the forthcoming IE7, and it does look better in a lot of ways (although holes were found almost immediately upon its release, but hey, it's a preview of a beta), but that final release is still a long ways off. For now, use IE 6 only if you are absolutely forced to.So what should you use instead? Use Firefox, Opera - or Safari if you're a Mac user. All three are free, powerful yet easy to use, and all are safer than Internet Explorer. I'm partial to Firefox but you should be interested in Firefox for its excellent security record (especially when compared to Internet Explorer's truly abysmal security problems) and the extensions that help you secure the browser and your Internet usage even more.
Once you have your browser open, use your head. Avoid web sites in which you're viewing or entering user names, passwords, account numbers, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive data ... unless those sites use https instead of http. If you have to log in somewhere, but the web page's URL begins with https, then it's using a technology called SSL, and it's OK; if the URL begins with http, be careful.
If you're just reading the news or sports scores, don't worry about it, but if you're working with sensitive data, do not view or enter information on those types of pages.If your company provides you with VPN access on your laptop, use it. That's a sure fire way to ensure that everything you send and receive is encrypted, and it makes your surfing much safer.
You can check your email in two ways: using a web browser, or using an email program running on your computer (like Outlook, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Eudora, and others). Let's talk about each of those in turn. Email via Web Browser. There are companies that provide email primarily through web browsers, like Hotmail, Gmail, and Yahoo! Mail, but most ISPs who allow people to download their email using programs also provide access to that same email using web browsers. Most every web mail out there provides a secure (https) page for logging in to check your email, but that's it. Your password will be safe, but none of your emails. Reading and writing emails is done using plain http, which means that everything is sent in the clear, not good.
I like Gmail a lot, but Gmail doesn't use https for reading emails (it does use it for logging in, though). To get around that, I installed the Customize Google extension for Firefox (and it only works in Firefox). Once the extension is installed, go to Tools > Customize Google Options. Go to the Gmail tab and make sure that "Secure (switch to https)" is checked. Press OK to close the window, and you're done. Now you'll log in to Gmail on an https page, and you'll read and send mail on https pages as well.
I like this solution because you don't have to think about it again.You can switch to https once you're in Gmail by simply clicking in your address bar, changing the http to https, and then loading the page. Now everything is secure ... as long as you don't close your browser. If you do, you need to manually change to https again, and again.
The Customize Google extension does this automatically, so it's a better solution.Hotmail offers a "secure mode" that uses SSL, but by default you login at an insecure http page, just like you do with Yahoo! - which isn't good. For either service you can click on the tiny "Sign in using enhanced security" or "Submit over SSL" link that most people will never see.
Advice
Furthermore, it is advisable to use access points all of the same model of hardware, rather than mixing one kind of central base station with different satellite units as I have noticed some tech guys do. Finally, you should chosen wifi equipment that has mass-market consumer hardware, not something sold to the "enterprise" niche of office IT professionals. That way, one could send any dummy to the mall with only one model of gadget to purchase, one for which they could find enough customer support. So that we could start with one, and then keep adding more of them until they covered the whole house.
Conclusion
It's possible to use your laptop safely in a hotel, but you have to take a bit of responsibility for that security. You'll need to use your common sense, change a few habits, and perhaps install and use some new software. I know that this is a lot for most people, but aren't your private data and conversations worth it? And if you have any questions, you know who you can call. If you're a security professional reading this column, why not show it to the Philips in your life and offer your help; if you're a Philip, try the advice in this column, and feel free to ask the computer person in your life for aid. I know they'll be glad to help.
Monday, July 20, 2009
My jamb exams result
http://www.myjambexams.com/ a site for checking jamb result and printing of University admission letter. This site is very slow i must confess.
Dmegs is an excellent Web directory, check it out
Dmegs Web Directory
To be on a safer side try opening the site during the period where fewer person visite the site to check there result like 8pm till the early hours of the morining i.e. 6am
The step to take to check your result and to properly print the result in an acceptable manner is as follows:
How To
1. Select Examination Type
2. Select Year of Examination
3. Enter Your Card PIN Number
4. Enter Your Registration Number
5. "Check Result" or "Proceed"
6. Use a coloured printer.
I think this problem can be attributed to:
low server capacity with so many net users trying to gain access to the server at the same time, thousands or even millions of clients hitting the web site in a short interval of time.
Some computer worms sometimes cause abnormal traffic due to its spread over millions of computers over the net.
Alot of servers have limited bandwidth available for use and some large web sites with very few resources which sometimes cause abnormal traffic because of millions of infected computers
Dmegs is an excellent Web directory, check it out
Dmegs Web Directory
To be on a safer side try opening the site during the period where fewer person visite the site to check there result like 8pm till the early hours of the morining i.e. 6am
The step to take to check your result and to properly print the result in an acceptable manner is as follows:
How To
1. Select Examination Type
2. Select Year of Examination
3. Enter Your Card PIN Number
4. Enter Your Registration Number
5. "Check Result" or "Proceed"
6. Use a coloured printer.
I think this problem can be attributed to:
low server capacity with so many net users trying to gain access to the server at the same time, thousands or even millions of clients hitting the web site in a short interval of time.
Some computer worms sometimes cause abnormal traffic due to its spread over millions of computers over the net.
Alot of servers have limited bandwidth available for use and some large web sites with very few resources which sometimes cause abnormal traffic because of millions of infected computers
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