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— Photo: A. Roy Chowdhury

Latest technology: WiFi ensures that one does not have to sit at one place to surf the Net.

Technology has undoubtedly made life easier for us. Computers evolved from a stash of boxes to sleek and smooth portable gadgets.

Same is the case with Internet- from cables to wireless. Turning your home into a WiFi zone can be quiet rewarding.

WiFi is a wireless interface where one can browse the net without having to connect any Internet cable to the computer.

The technology is quiet popular for home usage and is also available in certain WiFi zones around the city.

Browsing the Internet couldn’t get better than this. Most of us spend endless hours wired to the Net looking for information or downloading movies. But latest technologies such as WiFi have ensured that one does not have to sit at one place to surf the Net.

The setup consists of a wireless router which is powered by an adaptor.

The router is connected to a broadband telephone line. Most of the Internet service providers like BSNL give away an installation CD along with the WiFi equipment.

The router is configured and details such as the I.P. address and other particulars are keyed in. The router can be connected to a desktop but WiFi is used for laptops in particular.

“A good thing about WiFi is that one is freed from handling messy wires and other cables. Once the setup is switched on, the whole home becomes a WiFi zone or a ‘hotspot’.

One can sit at any corner of the house and browse the Net without having to sit at one place”, says R. Kumar, who had recently installed a BSNL WiFi connection at his residence.

“It’s best for those who have a problem sitting continuously. One has the luxury of logging on to the Net from their bedrooms or for that matter anywhere at home.

The way Internet service providers are coming up with packages, there is a lot for those who are looking for a plan to suit their requirements”, says Ram Kishore, a software engineer.

Telecom service providers such as Tata Indicom, Airtel and Reliance Communications offer a USB and Data card-based Internet access devices. Depending on the features these are priced starting from Rs. 2,500 with monthly rental options depending on the usage.

Most of these devices are programmed to run on the current operating systems such as Windows XP, 2000 and Vista.

WiFi comes as a boon for those who are always on the move. An increase in usage of internet has indeed led to many international airports setting up hotspots for travellers.

But there’s nothing like sinking into your favourite couch at home, sipping some hot coffee at morning and browsing the net without worrying about cables.

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