By hardiman

What You Need To Know About Going Wireless!

wireless laptop computers

It’s not exactly breaking news that our world is becoming increasingly wireless. Wireless laptop computer may just be the second wave in our struggle to becoming a totally wireless world. The ultraportable, versatile little notebook computer, will no doubt play a major leading role in our wireless struggle to be constantly connected.

The market for wireless laptop computer is growing at a rate of 20% each year according to Taiwanese notebook makers. Wireless laptop computer uses three major wireless data standards in order to transfer data. Wi-Fi or 802.11b transfers data wirelessly at a maximum rate of 11Mbps for up to 150 feet.

The next technology in Wireless Communication is 3G EV-DO! With download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and bursts up to 2 Mbps, 3G has really given us wireless Internet this time. Of course, it should be kept in mind, that any group of computers can be made wireless by using a wireless router and a wireless network adaptor for each computer. Also, many notebooks and computers come with a Bluetooth module, which allows for wireless communication between any sort of electronic devices – from cell phones to computer to stereos to headphones.

laptop wireless computers

However, if you’re setting up a wireless network or if you’re using your wireless notebook or laptop at hotels and airports — security will be a concern. Anyone within distance, possessing the right equipment and a little ingenuity may get access to this wireless system. There are usually two basic methods of securing wireless networks, WEP and MAC address filtering. Then you manually enter a list of addresses that can use or access your wireless network.

Printers that can be networked will come with either a wireless adapter or a network adapter. Since the question states wireless printer then let’s assume that it has a wireless adapter. Most laptops today (Oct, 2009) have integrated wireless, so you will not need to purchase a wireless adapter for the laptop.

Assuming you already have a wireless home network setup you will need to add a wireless network adapter of some type to your old laptop. The USB Wireless Adapter will of course require that your laptop have a USB port available. Also, make sure the wireless adapter is Wi-Fi certified. It’s a wireless world after all.

Check out my other guide on prepaid wireless phone and wireless home alarm system