Mobile computing in 2010 is synonymous with wireless Internet, so Columbusites are doing the Wi-Fi dance all over town. With netbooks in hand, they are surfing the web at wireless "hotspots" in coffee shops, libraries, bookstores, hotels, restaurants and more. Even municipalities are getting into the Wi-Fi act. With the help of federal grant money, it may one day be possible to surf from sidewalk benches, the local swimming pool, or a public park in Columbus.
Wi-Fi (or WiFi, both are accepted spellings) is short for "wireless fidelity," a radio frequency connection (usually 2.4 ghz) from a mobile computer's network card to an Internet connected wireless router/modem provided by Time Warner, At&T, Verizon, or another local Internet service provider (ISP).
Public access Wi-Fi comes in two distinct flavors, pay or free. Large venues, like airports and hotels have an additional expense beyond paying an Internet service provider. They may need multiple WAPs, short for "wireless access points," to keep all of their guests connected within the distance range of the main router. This equipment costs money so these companies may charge per hour for Internet use.
The advantage of pay Wi-Fi is a more secure connection. Many hackers intent to steal information, for example a bank card number, will not bother breaking into a secure network when there are so many free ones available. It's similar to the concept of securing a home. Properly installed deadbolts and securely locked doors might make a potential thief leave and go across the street to a house with a flimsy screen door.
Free Wi-Fi is hugely appealing-its free! No configuration, no problems. Just sit down, power up, click on ok to the wireless pop up window, and you are on the world wide web. Check your email, download a file from the office or watch that new video trailer from your favorite movie site. Most restaurants, coffee shops and bookstores are happy to provide free Wi-Fi with the hope that you will stay awhile and purchase something.
Security, however, is an issue that should be considered. It's just not a good idea to do online banking on a free, unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspot. Do use a laptop password, keep antivirus and spyware software current, and turn on the Windows firewall. Most important before connecting to any free Wi-Fi hotspot, locate a sign advertising the network name (SSID) to insure the connection is legitimate. "Evil Twin" Wi-Fi networks can be in wireless range of a legitimate wireless hotspot that are in reality a phony hotspot created with the intention of hijacking personal data.
So where in Columbus are these free Wi-Fi hotspots? Wi-Fi dancing just got easier thanks to the Columbus Ohio Free WiFi City Guide. This website provides an extensive list of public Wi-Fi hotspots with descriptions, maps and an interactive comment section. Read the comments to insure that the hotspot is still accessible and free, or report a problem. Just like dancing, Wi-Fi is a great way to connect; just be careful and take a few precautions to avoid getting stepped on.
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