Wireless Networks

WiFi

WiFi or Wireless Fidelity is connectivity without the wires and cables. This is neat stuff. As long as you are in a hot spot, you can access the internet seamlessly. Coffee shops like Starbucks and Seattle's Best offer free WiFi to their customers. Airports and offices are usually hotspots for WiFi. Some homes subscribe to WiFi services. You can install a WiFi card on your personal computer at home if you do not like attaching several cables although WiFi cards are more popular on laptop computers.

Bluetooth

Sometimes connectivity is not all about connecting to the internet. Sometimes you need to connect to another device like your mobile phone or another laptop. Bluetooth is basically a wireless personal area network or PAN. Some personal computers have built in bluetooth capabilities although this is more common with laptops than desktops. If your personal computer does not have the hardware for Bluetooth then you can simply purchase a Bluetooth USB.

www.kensington.com, shown above is a Bluetooth USB from Kensington. All you have to do to enjoy Bluetooth capabilities is simply plug the device into your personal computer's USB port.

Infrared

Infrared is another way of connecting on a short range level. Infrared or IR utilizes infrared radiation to transmit data. Most mobile phones have infrared capabilities and so do laptops. One drawback of infrared is that the devices need to be within each other's line of sight in order to operate properly. If the devices are not aligned then they will not be able to transmit data. Infrared is very popular with remote controls. If you cover the tip of your remote control, you will not be able to turn on or turn off your appliance.