Wireless security for the not so faint at heart
Wireless computing has become as common as unleaded gas. It is just like it too, as unleaded gas is better for the environment, wireless computer access has become better for all computer users. We are no longer locked down to a desk to check our Facebook account.
We can truly work in our long johns and watch Matlock at the same time.
You can have my wireless, when you pry it from my cold dead hands.
To make this short, there are several security settings that can be applied to your wireless network that require a technician that knows what they are doing. Working with your ISP or configuring a separate wireless home router is truly the best for consumers these days.
Here is the wireless standards I recommend:
Wireless Security - WPA2 / PSK
Broadcast SSID - Disabled
MAC filtering - turned on and configured
Power settings - the lower the better - (broadcast signal, should not reach the street)
Content filtering - turned on and configured
DNS servers - OpenDNS configured for more content filtering.
There are several other settings that can be configured to secure your network down like Fort Knox but it would require several other layers of equipment.
Planes, trains, and automobiles. Cell phones, XBox, Laptop, and Wii
Once you have a wireless network setup, you open up a world where all kinds of devices will be able to connect to one another, and to the internet.
Devices include: Laptops, Cell Phones, Cable and Satellite TVs and receivers, DVD players, Printers, Refrigerators, Wii and Xbox game systems.
Do you get the picture?
I am thinking about getting a Chromebook for my 87 year old dad, who has used computers for years but now spends most of his computer time online, browsing the web (using Firefox) for information, reading blogs, video, and email. The new OS interfaces are too complicated for him. Also, my vision-impaired mother might find it easier to see videos if she could hold the computer closer to her. Do you think a Chromebook would fulfill these functions for them?
ReplyDeleteYes I think the Chromebook would be ideal for your dad and mom. However the default hardware the Chrome OS running it is still lacking. The laptops at Best Buy are small netbook types so going to Google's Chromebook website has a couple of larger screen laptops including the Google Pixel. It looks like Walmart has the HP Chromebook http://www.google.com/intl/en/chrome/devices/chromebooks.html#hp-pav
DeleteBut I am not a big fan of the HP products, due to they seem to be cheaply made. But it is the only one I noticed with a 14" screen.
If money is no object the best Chromebook is the pixel and it is hands down the best laptop on the market, but the price is still $1200 US.