Firmware upgrades can add completely new features to a device, plus make it run faster and fix bugs. For the uninitiated, flashing firmware seems a lot like applying a software patch, but you’re really overwriting the data stored on a physical memory chip. If the data isn’t transferred properly or you apply the wrong data to a device (for example, you accidentally overwrite existing firmware with firmware for another model number), the hardware may cease to function, so use extreme caution. Shut down all running programs to reduce the chance of a system crash and don’t apply the upgrade over a wireless network for fear of losing the connection.

Store your entire CD collection on a 40-GB hard disk and listen in every room. Looking like a super sleek plasma screen music to up to five Station units in any room you want. Everyone can set-up their very own playlists or select albums of their choice, and with a remote control it’s pure joy to operate. Philips legendary audio quality is enhanced with an innovative Super Sound Panel with deep bass and clarity for pitch perfect grooves. Even if you’re no audiophile, you can’t deny the high cool quotient. A must have for every living room.

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Wireless internet access is truly the wave of the future and depending on where you live the future could be now. Wireless hotspots really are popping up somewhere on a daily basis. Not that I’m complaining, because having the ability to access the internet via a wireless connection is a great convenience and allows you to “Take Your Laptop For a Walk on Wireless Side”.

On the other hand, even though there are thousands of hotspots, they don’t always get a whole bunch of publicity. However, if you were to do a search for “hotspots” in your town or area, you may be pleasantly surprised. You may have thought that there weren’t any in your area but if you live in even an average-size city then it would be more of a surprise if you didn’t find a few hotspots.

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Encryption is supposed to the bit that foxes most non-experts, and it is fair to say that is used to be hard work. With Windows XP it is fairly straightforward as long as you do things in the right order, and assess the capabilities of the hardware first.

The first thing is to make sure you have Windows XP with the SP2 security update installed because this makes support for more advanced encryption an integrated feature previously it had to be added separately.

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Wireless local area networks (WLANs) are not like wired ones - data is highly vulnerable in its silent transit through the air. All that is needed is the right utility to find the radio signal, interpret the data stream in much the same way as would any other network interface, and direct the intruder to useful bits of plain text information. Using an unsecured wirless link is the technological equivalent of leaving confidential documents lying around in the street.

Never underestimate what is worth stealing. There can’t be a single wireless network that doesn’t send emails, invoices and online banking log-ins from time to time, so there can’t, by definition, be a wireless network that somehow doesn’t need securing.

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To the information security professional wireless networking may be thought of as a four letter word to be avoided at all costs. Regardless of the security implication wireless networking can provide cost efficiency, and because of that wireless technologies are here to stay. While many in the profession believe that wireless networks can be easily compromised, this class will show how the appropriate wireless architecture with the proper security controls can make your wireless network as secure as any other remote access point into your network.

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802.11n might get most of the buzz these days, but be on the lookout for other technologies that will change the way you use your network.

802.16e

WiMAX promises to bring high-speed wireless broadband Internet access to the masses, and 802.16e promises to give you more than a 1Mbps connection from your car or other moving vehicle.

802.20

Much like 802.16e, 802.20 brings WiMAX to mobile users. The big difference? It’s designed to deliver a connection even if you’re moving as fast as 155mph, so now you’ll be able to shop online from your private helicopter.