debcook

Hotspots – what are they? Hotspots are wireless networks set up and operated by businesses to allow customers to use their personal WiFi enabled devices such as a laptop, PDA or Apple Touch to connect to the Internet. McDonalds’s restaurants, hotels, motels, libraries, bookstores, airports, coffee shops are some of the most common places to find Hotspots.

Most of the time these wireless hotspots are not free. Some require upfront payment before you are given access. You may buy a subscription, or you may pay with a credit card, gift card or PayPal.  Once payment is received a password will be provided to enable the wireless connection. Payments may cover a specific time limit such as two hours and others may cover a 24-hour time period.

Surfing the Web is a great way to pass time and to conduct research online but security is always an issue with these public Hotspots. Unless you are using a VPN connection your information will not be secure against anyone trying to steal information from a wireless network. Anyone that frequents Hotspots should only type in information that is not personal in nature such as usernames and passwords.

Hotspots can be searched out online. I suggest finding one before you need one. Just type in Hotspots in (whatever location) into your favorite browser and the results will be endless. If you need a Hotspot in a particular area and you do not see information online just make a call.

Who wants to be trapped behind a desk? Not me that is for sure. But, I have alot of computer work to get accomplished every day of the week. I still want to travel and have fun with others in my household - so what am I to do?My laptop saves the day.

My Sony Vaio TX650 to be exact. It rides nicely in my purse (about 3 pounds) and can be easily pulled out a moments notice.I am the backup queen. When I see people trusting their data and pictures on a single hard drive it makes me cringe. In case you have never heard this before - it is not if your hard drive will crash - it is when your hard will drive crash. It is so easy to protect your data and your pictures. I prefer USB drives because they are so easy to use and they are easily carried along with my laptop.

Much of my work depends on internet research so staying connected both at home and on the go is extremely important. Hotspots are becoming more common all the time. Even your local McDonald’s probably offers WiFi. When visiting, the host may have a home network that you can tap into. Many hotels and motels are now offering WiFi. Sometimes I need to print information to paper.

Small portable printers are getting so much better than they used to be. Mine is an HP DeskJet 460cb. It works on a battery and it is wireless. If I want to I can print from the backseat of my car with the Bluetooth connection!

Later I will get into more detail about how I survive – techy speaking - when on the go. I’d love to hear your mobile stories too.

You will soon see a common thread throughout my posts here. Staying connected is both necessary and fun. What do I mean by staying connected? Just that - connected to my email, to my blogs, to my favorite TV and radio shows and to my eBay.

Cell phones add alot to our lives. Many people consider them a distraction - I disagree. Of course there are times that cell phone use is abused such as in the workplace and when driving down the highway. These situations can be controlled and that is what excites me. Whatever the issue is there will eventually be a fix.

Wireless - Bluetooth headsets solve many problems. We all know the benefits of handsfree driving and in some states the absolute necessity to stay legal. I also like them at work.

In my other life - my husband and I own a small business. Our employees are allowed to keep their cell phones during the day. It is important to stay in touch with family - especially children. It is much less time consuming for them to talk while they work instead of walking over to the wall (customer) phone. Cell phones create a win win situation.

Personally I do not enjoy talking on the phone. When it is necessary to communicate with an employee (during their time off) about the next day it is easiest to either text or email them. A quick reply lets me know they received the message. Same goes when they need to contact me. It’s best to know when someone is sick and can not work as early as possible.

Life is not all work - thank goodness. I also use my cell phone for limited surfing. The cost of unlimited data plans has to be balanced with usage and so far it has been worth it. Now that my AT&T 8525 has been upgraded to Windows Mobile 6 my surfing has been greatly improved.

A PDA phone is great when typing is needed. A Smartphone is OK but touch screens are my preference. I once purchased a Motorola MX220 Smartphone and did not find it nearly as useful as my PDA phone with a QWERTY keyboard and the onscreen keyboard. My documents can be created and updated right from my phone. I do not use this function often - but it sure is nice to have the ability in a pinch.

Music is not high on my list - but TV is. I could subscribe to MobiTV or some other service but I plan to use Slingbox software instead. That will not have a subscription fee and I will have access to all channels from anywhere - just like at home!

There are so many reasons to carry a great cell phone. I have not even mentioned the camera and video features. But there will be time for that later.

Does technology make your life easier? That is probably a loaded question. But, I am not afraid.

Technology is important to my daily life. My cell phone keeps me in touch. My laptop lets me update my work from anywhere. My digital camera lets me capture those spontaneous moments. My big screen entertains me endlessly.

Why then do some people go out of their way to avoid technology? Just because you use email at work you can’t use it at home?

If I have my way from here on out those that avoid technology will begin to embrace it. Why should I care? My technology will be much more effective when you use yours!