Wireless Internet Basics 101
Wireless Internet is easy to use due to the lack of physical cables that need connecting. You can even use wireless Internet free in coffee shops, restaurants, libraries and other venues across the country. The technology may seem like magic, but just like broadcast television and radio, wireless Internet is not as mysterious as it seems.
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How It Works
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A detailed explanation of wireless Internet also requires a basic understanding of the Internet in general. The World Wide Web is not one specific place, but rather a network of computers and servers that host information on hardware not radically different from your computer's hard drive, at least in layman's terms. Wires of various kinds connect these devices, as most of the Internet's data still travels along cables. One of these cables will plug into a wireless Internet router in a home or business. The router can both broadcast and receive signals using radio and micro waves. A wireless network card attached to your computer also broadcasts and receives these waves.
When the two broadcast/receiver units are close enough to each other, they can send signals back and forth, allowing you to use the radio waves to send data between your computer and the Internet.
Necessary Equipment
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To have wireless access from your computer, you need a wireless networking card, a wireless router, a high-speed Internet service provider (ISP) and a web browser. Most modern laptops have wireless cards built in, whether you are on a Windows or Mac-based computer, although Apple calls their cards "AirPort" cards. Modern laptops and desktops also have web browsers pre-installed. These include Internet Explorer on Windows PCs and Safari on Macs. To get your router, contact the ISP companies in your area, which are generally your phone or cable company for wireless-capable access, although independent satellite-based companies can also provide wireless Internet. Determine the service type you want and ask the company which router works best with their service, as not all routers are the same. You may have to purchase a router from a computer or electronics store, or the ISP may sell you one directly.
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Getting Set Up
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Once you have all of your equipment, including adding a wireless network adaptor if your computer did not come with one installed, set up your router according to the instructions provided. Make sure your network card is turned on, as some computers have a button or switch that manually controls this feature. Your computer should automatically detect the wireless signal soon after it becomes available. Click the wireless Internet icon on your screen if the setup process does not launch immediately, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
The wireless Internet icon may look like a small post with arcing lines on either side, or it may be an inverted cone of arcing lines. You can also go into your computer's settings (Control Panel on Windows) and look for topics related to "Network" if you cannot find the icon or if clicking it does not help. If you cannot figure out how to set up the Internet connection yourself, call your ISP for phone support. Each system varies, so there may be some small step you need to take.
Security Concerns
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Wireless data is sent into the air in all directions rather than travelling down a line, so someone else in the area can intercept your data, which is less likely on a wired connection. However, most wireless routers and modern computers encrypt the data they send, meaning it is turned into a difficult to break code. The data is then decrypted when it gets to its destination. Wireless connections are safe for basic Internet computing, as long as you have a firewall set up on your computer, but using a wired connection for sensitive data is best.
Of bigger concern are Internet viruses and spyware, which you can get over any Internet connection type. Install a reputable antivirus and anti-spyware program before you begin connecting to the Internet on your new connection.
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References
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