[crazlunatic]

Hello, I am new to Wireless LAN Internet and would like to know a few things. I believe its a 802.11 g and 32-bit card.

I want to find out more about the following:

1) Security
2) Charges
3) Accepting signals
4) Configuration

Security is important. Since its a wireless connection, its much easier for some hacker to intercept.

Charges, is it for free? Because I think some Starbucks coffee stores have hotspots for free, but I'll be going to Germany, so I want to know what kind of charges I'd expect. Like is the connection open to EVERYONE, or do you require some sort of confirmation?

Can I accept a bad or malicious signal? My card basically rescan's for signals, and you can choose one to connect.

Configuration is not required for my card, I think. But are there any important ones I should make.

Thanks guys,

[office politics]

basic wi-fi faq and tips

[The_Urge]

If security is important then you can setup encryption (WEP or WPA)

As far as charges some places will be free and others will cost and the rates can vary greatly. The connections will be open to everyone within the area more then likely.

Malicious signals. A skilled hacker can break into your system just like a skilled burglar can break into your house or take your car. Most newer laptops have ways to disable the wireless card so that when you are not using the card you can feel more secure, but its a bit of a pain because when you want to use the card it might take a while to reconnect.

Configuration, turn off file and print sharing when you are connecting to public networks. This is important. I would also take any important personal info fight off of the computer, ie. credit card info stored passwords in Internet Explorer and such, these can be found very quickly if someone gets into your system.