WiFi Explained
What is WiFi? Glad you asked. Here is the best definition, in layman's terms:
WiFi is short for "wireless fidelity", similar to the term HiFi which refers to high quality audio recording. WiFi refers to high quality wireless transmission of data between electronic devices. Specifically, term WiFi indicates the use of ethernet protocols which allows computers to communicate, eg. over the Internet.Ok, now you know what WiFi means, but what is a free WiFi hotspot?
A WiFi hotspot is an area where one can use their WiFi enabled device to connect to the Internet. Some common examples would be a coffee shop, restaurants, hotels, libraries, and maybe even a park or government building. WiFi Hotspots can be found all over the world, there are literally millions of them.What is a WiFi enabled device?
These days, pretty much any laptop, cell phone, iPod, BlackBerry, smartphone, Nintendo DS, PlayStation, XBox, Wii, etc. are WiFi enabled devices. Many desktop computers are now also coming with WiFi capabilities so that you don't have to run cables in your house anymore. Even some digital cameras are coming with WiFi cards so that they can transfer photos without wires! Cool, eh?Does a Free WiFi Hotspot cost me anything to use?
It depends. Some WiFi hotspots are completely free to use and some require you to sign up, pay a fee, or purchase something, like a cup of coffee or renting a hotel room, before you have permission to connect. Nowadays the trend for businesses is to provide a free hotspot. Some expensive hotel chains charge a lot of money for access to their WiFi, however, more budget hotels give it away for free! Big chains like McDonald's and Starbucks now offer their WiFi completely free, but they do usually have time limits so you aren't taking up space in their shop all day!So now you know a little bit about WiFi, but you might have more questions. Check out some more information in the links below:
- Where can I find a free WiFi hotspot?
- Is my personal information secure when I use WiFi?
- How do I avoid viruses when using free WiFi?
- Are WiFi signals actually bad for my health?
- I'm having trouble connecting to a free WiFi hotspot!