READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Windows provides the Wireless Network Setup Wizard that will take you step by step through the process of setting up a wireless network. A wireless network allows computers to share information on a network using radio signals instead of cables to transmit information.

Wireless networks are useful when computers are located where cables are not practical or economical. Wireless networks also allow notebook computers to access a network from many locations in a home or office.

Wireless networks are much easier for unauthorized people to access compared to wired networks. When setting up a wireless network, Windows will automatically assign a network key, or password, to your network to help prevent outsiders from accessing your network. A network key encrypts, or scrambles, data transmitted over a network. You can use a Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) network key or choose a more secure network key, known as a Wireless Protected Access (WPA) key, that provides stronger network security. Some devices on a network do not support a WPA network key.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Wi-Fi: It’s not just for laptops anymore. With these products and tips, you can cut the cord when making phone calls, streaming music or video, sharing files, and more.

If you think your wireless network is good only for using a laptop in the living room, think again. A slew of new Wi-Fi peripherals promises to send your music, movies, pictures, and even phone calls flying from room to room, no cables required. These days, we’re seeing products for just about any task that might benefit from going wireless.

Not surprisingly, some of the newcomers don’t live up to the hype. In this series, we checked out 12 of the latest cordless creations in several categories to determine which products are good mates for Wi-Fi and which still need some work.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

Many of you have tested wireless networking gear that delivers over 100mbps already, but at present that speed entails a sacrifice: These superfast wireless products don’t adhere to the up-coming 802.11n standard. Although the first draft specification for that standard was approved in January 2006, this next stage in Wi-Fi’s evolution still has a long way to go. The final 11n standard won’t be approved until September 2007.

Don’t depend on vendors’ claims of firmware upgradability to the final 802.11n specification. If compatibility is a concern, stick with your 11g hardware, or cross your fingers and buy all your new gear from one manufacturer.

The wireless dog fence is a new addition to pet containment systems. It is more effective than other types of fence systems. As this type of dog fence has no wires to bury its installation procedures are simple and easy.

A wireless dog fence uses single transmitters or multiple transmitters. The first step to install a wireless dog fence is to plug in the transmitter. As these transmitters are capable of producing radio signals that can penetrate walls and other household obstacles, they can be positioned in any suitable location of your home. The dog wears a pet-collar that produces a warning beep when it comes near the boundary. The collar applies a mild electric shock if your pet still continues to cross the boundary area. The containment area is adjusted by using a small dial.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>

The startech MP3 Airlink lets you send music across your home without making your floor look like a snake pit. The 2.4-GHz transmitter and receiver are two nearly identical 1- by 3.1- by 3.1-inch (HWD) plastic boxes. Each box has its own wall-wart AC power adapter, and the system comes with two sets of RCA-to-3.5mm cables and one 3.5mm-to-3.5mm cable.

Overall, the AirLink’s sound quality and ease of use is impresive. It has a significantly clearer signal than Bluetooth-based products. But if you have a lot of interference in your space from other devices that use the 2.4-GHz frequency band (Bluetooth headsets, microwaves, some RF remotes), the AirLink may disappoint.

With a dead-simple setup and a price that won’t hurt your wallet, this is an excellent wireless music system. If you don’t, you’ll find this is a very useful, and affordable product.

Joining a growing number of wireless point-and-shoot cameras is the pricey Canon PowerShot SD430 Digital Elph Wireless. This 5.0-megapixel ultra-compact lets you connect wirelessly (using 802.11b) to a computer, network or printer and offers a compelling mix of cutting-edge features, ease of use, and good image quality.

Portable and pocket-friendly, the camera has a tiny 2-inch LCD screen but also includes a small glass viewfinder that can be useful in bright daylight when the LCD looks washed out. Connecting to both open and WEP-enabled infrastructure networks is a snap. The camera also supports ad-hoc connections and lets you print wirelessly using the included printer adapter.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE >>