Cut the Technology Umbilical Cord

Written by: Leah Maclean
June 2, 2008

Over the last few years the case in favour of laptop computers has been growing. They are now reasonably priced, use less power than a traditional dektop, give you access to the same data wherever you are, and now with more reliable high-speed wireless broadband services you can access the network without being tethered to the dreaded blue ethernet cable.

As winter starts here in the southern hemisphere and summer breaks through in the northern hemisphere our desire to be at our desks is waning in favour of being tucked up under a warm blanket or out enjoying the warm days.

So instead of following my challenge from last month’s article and “walking away from your computer”, why not unplug the cable, walk away from your desk and go wireless this month.

Some Things To Consider When Going Wireless

Security
The first thing to consider when using your computer away from the desk is security. You need to consider the physical security of your computer as well as securing the information that is travelling via the airwaves.

  • Always be aware of where you laptop or laptop bag is
  • Use a startup password
  • Don’t access secure information (like banking details or sensitive personal / business information) via wireless connections that you don’t know
  • Use WEP, WPA or WPA2 authentication to protect the data transmission (if you’re unsure of this you local IT support should be able to help you with this)

Wireless Broadband

If you want to have access to your own wireless broadband connection then there are many telecom carriers offering a range of plans and options. There are 3 main types of wireless options - a USB modem connection, a Laptop modem card or a Desktop modem.

Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself :

What is your main reason for choosing wireless broadband?
A USB Modem connection or a Laptop Modem card is a great option if you require true mobile access, whereas a desktop modem is a suitable for a person that is frequently changing physical locations but only wants to conenct where there is power.

Do you need wireless access to work in transport?
If you wish to use your wireless access on the train, bus, car (not if you are the driver ;-) ) or ferry, it is important to choose a wireless service and modem that will provide a fluid connection when you are on the move. There are some wireless services that are more suitable to providing you with a mobile connection and some only work well as a static connection.

Where do you need to use your wireless connection?
Determine the locations that you will be using the wireless connection and make sure that these are included in the coverage areas of your wireless provider. Don’t assume that because you are in a major city that wireless broadband is available. At this stage wireless broadband access is still limited in many rural or unpopulated locations.

What speed do you require?
Like regular broadband, wireless broadband is available in a variety of speeds, but don’t expect that just because it is called “wireless broadband” it has the same speeds as your cabled broadband. If you are downloading large files, you may need to consider a faster speed, however if you are using your connection just to check your email a slower speed may be adequate. Download speeds (bringing data from the network to you) will always be faster than upload speeds (sending data from your computer to the network). Either way determine what you own personal level of patience is and choose a speed that fits your expectations.

How much data do you expect to use?
Most wireless broadband plans are a combination of the speed of the conenction and the download limit.
Wireless broadband services don’t generally allow the same size download limit as many of the fixed broadband solutions. This may mean that you use your monthly download limit more quickly and potentially get hit for extra usage. This means that you need to minimise the amount of large downloads that you do while you are wireless. Many people are using the option to turn off images while accessing the web via wireless (which also means your website needs to look good and work without the images).

Power

Being without wires doesn’t just effect your connection to the telecommunications network but also the power network as well. If you are out and about for short periods then this should not be much of a concern but if you plan to be away from the desk for longer periods you might have to come up with some contingencies. Here are some ways to keep the power going :

  • Purchase a laptop with a long power life
  • Have a second laptop battery that you can swap out when the first one is used up
  • Schedule breaks in places where you can access a power point - cafes, hotel lobbies and airport terminals often have access to power and are sometimes happy to let you access the points as long as you are a customer

Words of Warning

  • Don’t expect it to be as realiable as your fixed internet connection
  • Do expect that it will drop out or grind to a halt occassionally
  • Don’t expect to use it for gaming or VOIP (eg Skype) voice calls
  • Do make sure that your computer and connection is as secure as possible

So this month I challenge you to get away from the desk BUT this time with technology in hand. While you’re out there drop me a comment below and let me know your best, or worst, wireless technology story.

Leah Maclean - demystifying design and technology for small business women | http://www.thecalmspace.com/about#leah

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