Flying WiFi High!

I remember life before WiFi. It was called dial up aka the computer stone age! Waiting for a page to load was torturous, though I did get a lot more writing done on my WIP waiting for the service to connect. Then it was high speed Internet and that was like the bronze age. Getting better, but not quite there.

Then enter the world of wireless Internet providers. Was it really possible to get Internet without having to be hooked up to a wire cable? Yep, and it was like I’d entered the Renaissance era. The rebirth of Internet surfing! It was great, until that little wireless card malfunctioned and disconnected from my wireless provider.Then it was back to the ball and chain…er…I mean wire cable hook up.

Then something wonderful happened. My husband bought me a laptop with with wireless inside. I’d always watch in awe as cardless people hooked up to the wireless internet providers in coffee shops. How did they do that? Now I know! And it feels like I’m in the age of the industrial computer revolution. Now wireless providers are popping up everywhere. They’re called WiFi hot spots, I believe.

At home, I have several to choose from, and some times it kicks me over to my neighbors WiFi and I have trouble logging on to my own, more robust service. Who said the industrial revolution came without problems? But wireless is popping up all over the place, even at McDonalds! I’d like your wireless provider with my burger, please.

What next? I can’t even imagine.

Even phones are connected to the Internet, though I’m really not sure if the technology is wireless related, and I’ve been assured by my teen that the iPod Touch can connect to WiFi. Too bad my kids’ school’s wireless provider doesn’t extend to the parking lot or I’d be getting an iPod touch for Mother’s Day.

Still in the dark ages and need some enlightenment about WiFi, modems and range extenders? I found this informative site that gives you the low down on most things wireless. They’ve got dozens of links to Wireless Internet Providers offering discounts. And for you wanna-be techies who just have to know how WiFi works. They have a simply explanation that will put all your questions to rest! Me, I don’t need to know how it works, just that it does!

So what about you? Where are you at in the computer age? Stone, bronze, industrial revolution? And if applicable, how has wireless changed your life?  For inquiring minds…