Wi-Fi 101
	A How-To Guide to Getting Untethered
	By LAURA A. LOCKE

Posted Sunday, April 6, 2003; 17:21 BST
Anytime-anywhere Net access is (nearly) here. Getting online, surfing the Web and accessing office data without clumsy cables has never been easier. Thanks to thousands of public hot spots springing up worldwide, getting online at your local café, bookstore, hotel lobby or airport is a reality. Here's how:

BUY A WI-FI-ENABLED LAPTOP OR PDA Within two years, nearly every new PC laptop will come with Wi-Fi functionality. Apple's portable computers have been Wi-Fi-ready since 1999. Intel's new wireless technology Centrino provides built-in wireless capability for PC notebooks and boosts battery life up to five hours. Toshiba has also introduced a PDA with Wi-Fi functionality.

SIGN UP WITH A WI-FI SERVICE Wireless ISPs let you connect to the Net rapidly, securely and remotely. High-speed wireless access is hundreds of times faster than dial-up. Services do differ. So, when choosing a provider, first decide what type of service you want: business or home. Second, consider where you need mobile access: offerings vary by geography. Third, take into account the type of public venue where you intend to access wireless networks, e.g. cafés, bookstores, airports, convention centers. Lastly, make sure your chosen provider offers customer service and tech support.

Rig Your Laptop For Wi-Fi Do-it-yourself Wi-Fi is easy and cheap. To piggyback on your neighbor's hot spot for free, buy a Wi-Fi PC card and stick it into your laptop. Then get ready to pick up free wireless networks in your area. If you can't get a wireless signal at home, then buy an off-the-shelf access point to install. Be aware: most free public hot spots aren't secure.

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