Wireless for the Clueless

Finding Some Security in a Hostile World
If you think you have nothing worth stealing on your computer, think again. While you may not keep top-secret government documents on that laptop, you probably do have bank or credit-card information stored somewhere, or even sensitive corporate financial data. Even if it's just that you'd prefer not to broadcast free Internet access to anyone with an 802.11 card who happens to be driving by, it's worth it to take security precautions.

First, every access point is enabled with basic 128-bit encryption. Often, however, this setting is turned off when the unit ships from the factory; turn it on when you set up your network. Second, most access points are set to broadcast your system name -- effectively shouting, "I'm here!" to network sniffers. During setup, prompts will ask you if you would like to keep this on. Turn it off. According to Tom Dowd, principal product manager at Intermec Technologies Corp., which provides enterprise wireless solutions to major automotive manufacturers, taking care of those two things is "like locking your doors and windows at home when you go to bed."

Access points should also come standard with the IEEE's 802.1x security standard, but again, you need to turn it on during setup. It's an authentication interface that asks you to create an ID and password and use them in order to access your wireless network. "This is like having a pit bull in the yard," says Dowd. 802.1x also allows the access point occasionally to change the encryption code it uses to send data, making it more difficult for hackers to identify the network and its users. "I would suggest setting it to rotate the encryption key every 10,000 packets of information, because that's how much hackers need to get into your system," Dowd says. "This way, just when they think they've got you, you change it up."

Two useful products for added security are:

ZoneAlarm, by Zone Labs Inc. This program notifies you if Trojan horses try to sneak onto your machine. (See "How to Talk Wireless.") It also offers different levels of security based on whether you identify a network as trusted. (Visit www.zonelabs.com. Basic version can be downloaded for free; ZoneAlarm Pro 3.5, which has extra features, costs $49.95.)

Rappore Shield, by Rappore Technologies Inc. The "shield" protects your system by blocking port access when you are away from home, preventing unauthorized access or file sharing. (Visit www.rappore.com. Download for $49.95, but may be bundled for free with selected PC cards beginning this spring.)

Staying Connected When You're on the Road
Home networks are great, but you really appreciate wireless when you use it on the road. For the past year, cafés all over San Francisco have been putting up wireless networks, and the laid-off masses have joined the mobile workforce, sipping lattes while they work, online and untethered. Now the rest of the country (and the world) is catching on, and wireless hot spots are only a click away. Before your next trip, visit www.80211hotspots.com and enter the city, state, or country that you'll be visiting. A list of all the wireless hot spots in that area will pop up. Save the list to your desktop or print a copy, and you'll be able to find your way to a fast connection anywhere.

Many are public networks, sponsored by friendly (or unknowing) residents, but many others are pay-as-you-go networks. When your computer finds one of the pay networks, a prompt will appear, asking you to register and enter a credit-card number. Fees typically range from $5 to $10 for one day of unlimited access and $20 to $40 for one month of unlimited access. Reputable wireless service providers who manage these transactions include Boingo (www.boingo.com) and T-Mobile (www.tmobile.com), which, among other things, provides wireless access in Starbucks coffee shops across the United States.

Sidebar: Smart Monitor

You've got it covered: access points, wireless cards, and tight security. What you really want is a shiny new toy to show off to your friends. Oh yeah, and to make you more productive. Look no further than the new V150 Smart Display wireless monitor by ViewSonic. (Visit www.viewsonic.com. $1,299 for the 15-inch model; includes XP software update.) With optional $199 docking station, the V150 can serve as your primary monitor, no connector cables required. (And it's great for keeping in touch with colleagues: Its handwriting-recognition-enabled touch screen makes instant messaging and emailing a snap.)

Sidebar: How to Talk Wireless

Hot spots are geographic locations where an access point allows public wireless Internet service. You'll find hot spots in some airports, hotel lobbies, and cafés.