Don't really get the whole wifi thing

[ThingsGottaChange]

Just saw where Google is coming out with this, http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/landing.html. I've had desktops for many years but, never a laptop. At this price, I could really see Santa getting me this for Xmas With WiFi, does that mean you will get internet whenever you happen to be near a signal? Like if I want to take it with on a road trip, is it just luck that will get me internet access? Just not getting the WiFi thing when it comes to these types of computers. Although we do have wireless at home

If someone could enlighten me a bit, I would be quite grateful. And any comments on this new products would also be appreciated. Thanks!

[NYC_SKP]

1. It will work on your wifi and at many public places.

Not everywhere, not just yet, but increasingly wifi is available.

[Sedona]

2. Starbucks, Mcdonalds, most truck stops

Its pretty much everywheere

[krispos42]

3. WiFi is basically a wireless Cat-5 computer cable...

...that double-sized telephone cable that links your computer to your internet modem.

The maximum range is generally between 50 and 200 feet, depending on how much crap is between your computer and the WiFi router.


You plug a WiFi transceiver into your modem, and the WiFi transceiver (usually called a WiFi router) will connect 1 or more (usually more) computers to your internet service.


There's an encryption feature, so that only people that know the encryption code can use your WiFi router, and it keeps people from eavesdropping on your internet use. However, you have to turn it on and set it up!

Otherwise, anybody within range can use your internet and/or eavesdrop on your internet use.

You can also name your router, to make it easy to identify and/or send passive-aggressive messages to your neighbors.




WiFi routers in places like Starbucks and McDonalds and many hotels don't have encryption; you can just link up to their WiFi routers. Sometimes you have to agree to a Terms of Services the first time you do, though.



Your computer (desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone) can remember multiple passwords. So if you're at work, you can set it up to your work's WiFi router, and it will find and connect to it automatically. Same thing for your home WiFi router, your mom's WiFi router, your kid's WiFi router, etc. Among your usual places, your computer will just connect automatically when you turn it on.

[ThingsGottaChange]

4. This is a big help, everyone!

Thanks so much for all the info. I really want to be one of those people sitting on a beautiful, tropical beach and totally ignoring it because I'm playing some stupid computer game!