Security Issues Involved When Using Connecting to Wi-Fi

The availability of Wi-Fi hotspots in major cities in the
world has made laptops and even Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones
and PDAs truly mobile computers.

People who are always on the go such as business travellers
benefit from this because they can access their e-mail and
other information from any place where these hotspots are
available.

However, in spite of the convenience that Wi-Fi brings,
there is also a risk involved in using it.

Most Wi-Fi hotspots are unsecure. Because of this, data
that are sent through these wireless networks can be read
by anyone on the network who has the right tools.

Packet sniffers are a good example of such a tool. Unsecure
networks are also called ‘poisoned hotspots’ because of the
penchant of hackers and identity thieves for stealing other
people’s sensitive information.

The good thing is that there are several ways that users
can do to protect themselves. One security measure is by
turning off file sharing in the computer before connecting
to a hotspot.

This prevents other users to see what is in your shared
folder and mess with it. Another measure is by turning on
their computer’s personal firewall. They basically help
restrict traffic to and from their computers.

This is an important tool that people shouldn’t go without.
There are a number of good free firewalls out there which
why there’s no reason for users to not protect themselves.

Finally, if one is in a hotspot but he/she doesn’t want to
connect to the network, it would be good to disable their
wireless adapter. This helps prevent people from
unwittingly sending out data that others may sniff.

There are other ways that people can do to protect
themselves in Wi-Fi hotspots along with the ones mentioned
above. Check them out and have a more secure hotspot
experience.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wi-Fi

Just like everything else in the world, Wi-Fi has its set
of advantages and disadvantages. Below is a low down of how
Wi-Fi may or may not work for you.

The biggest thing that attracts people to Wi-Fi is that one
can find a wireless connection almost everywhere, in larger
cities at least. This aspect makes mobile computing a
reality.

Aside from that, one can connect to a Wi-Fi network for
free or for a minimal fee. There are coffee shops and
restaurants that offer this connection to their patrons in
exchange for a minimum purchase.

Also, there are cities and municipalities where Wi-Fi is
offered for free. This service is often offered by local
governments although sometimes they also work with
broadband providers to create the infrastructure for this.

Then there’s Wi-Fi’s downside. First of all, its range is
very limited. Unless an area has several hotspots, one has
to be as near the source of the signal as possible.
Otherwise, the connection would be terrible.

Even the next generation of IEEE802.11 protocol, the
802.11n, can only offer a range of 250 m outdoors.

There are also security concerns regarding the use of
public Wi-Fi networks. Since these networks are
intentionally or unintentionally unsecure, malicious users
can sniff the data of other people sent and received by
others in the network and use it for criminal purposes such
as identity theft.

But this can be addressed by having an antivirus program
and a firewall installed on an individual’s computer.

The History of Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a relatively new type of technology that is just
starting to attract a wide following worldwide. Some
consider it to be one of the most significant innovations
in technology since the internet came to the mainstream.

Because of it, computers are now able to connect to the
internet and to other computers wirelessly.

The precursor of today’s Wi-Fi was developed sometime in
the early 1990s by the Netherlands-based company NCR
Corporation/AT&T (which later became known as Lucent &
Agere Systems). Called WaveLAN, it was originally intended
to be used in cash registers.

Several competing standards prevented the immediate success
of having wireless networks. However, with the development
of the IEEE 802.11 standard and the release of its first
protocol in 1997, this technology slowly but surely came
into the mainstream.

Since then, several protocols were released and several
more will be released to address issues such as range and
speed.

The first protocol released in 1997, now known as the
Legacy mode, operated in the 2.4 GHz frequency. The
throughput and data rate are slow by today’s standards,
with only 0.9 and 2 Mbit/s, respectively. 802.11 a and b
came two years later in 1999 with the a protocol offering
faster speeds while the b provided a wider range.

The elements of the two were later merged in 2003 when the
802.11g protocol was released. The new protocol offered the
speed of the a and the range of the b.

Newer protocols are currently under development. The n, set
to be released mid-2009 provides greater speeds and almost
double the range of the a/b/g protocols. Another one, the
802.11y, is set to be released in mid-2008 has the same
speed as the g protocol although the y has an outdoor range
of as much as 5 kilometers.

The IEEE802.11 Standard and Its Protocols

It was in 1997 when the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) created the standard for
wireless local area networks (WLANs).

The standard became known as IEEE802.11, with the 802.11
coming from the name of the group who oversaw its
development. Under this standard are several protocols
developed over the years.

Below is a list of them.

1. 802.11

- also known as the Legacy protocol, this is the original
protocol created in 1997. It operates at 2.4 GHz and has a
data rate of 1 and 2 Mbit/s. Its range was limited to 20 m
and 100 m, in indoor and outdoor settings, respectively.

2. 802.11a

- was released in 1999. It operates at 5 GHz to move away
from the 2.4 GHz operating frequency of the Legacy. Its
range only offers a slight improvement from its predecessor
with a range of 35 m indoors and 120 m outdoors. It is,
however, fast with a data rate of 54 Mbit/s.

3. 802.11b

- also released in 1999. Just like the Legacy, it operates
at 2.4 GHz. It has a slightly greater range than the
802.11a, but is slower. The b only has a data rate of 11
Mbit/s.

4. 802.11g

- marries the characteristics of the a and the b. It has a
data rate of 54 Mbit/s like a and has the same range as the
b with 38 m indoors and 140 m outdoors. It was released in
2003.

5. 802.11n

- is set to be released on June 2009. It can operate on
either 2.4 or 5 GHz frequencies. It is fast with a data
rate of 248 Mbit/s and has an indoor range of 70 m and up
to 250 m outdoors.

What is Wi-Fi and What are Wi-Fi Hotspots

Wi-Fi has been the buzzword among techies and the
not-so-techie people alike for quite some time now. And
while that is the case, not everyone knows exactly what it
means and what it stands for.

For starters, Wi-Fi is a brand of wireless technology that
is owned by the group called the Wi-Fi Alliance.

The group’s aim is to improve the interoperability of
wireless local area network (WLAN) products by following
the IEEE 802.11 standards.

This technology is usually used by mobile computers
although more and more mobile phones and PDAs are designed
to be Wi-Fi-enabled. As a wireless network, Wi-Fi does away
with the Ethernet cables that used to connect one computer
to another as well as one computer to the internet.

Another jargon in the wireless LAN community is called the
Wi-Fi hotspot, simply known as hotspot. A hotspot is any
public area that offers free or paid wireless internet
connection.

Some of them cover only a small area (e.g. hotel lobbies),
while there are those that cover an entire city (e.g.
municipal hotspots).

While having hotspots has made cheap and even free internet
connection possible, there are also security issues that
accompany this technology.

Some hotspots are intentionally or unintentionally
unsecured so that any data sent over the network is
unencrypted. Because of this, malicious users can sniff
(i.e. monitor) data sent by others who are in the same
network.

But several solutions such as having a Virtual Private
Network (VPN) are available, although they not widely used
because of the costs of implementing them.

What You Need to Connect to Wi-Fi Hotspots

Most modern laptops, mobile phones and PDAs are Wi-Fi
enabled which makes them easier to use in Wi-Fi hotspots
without modifying the software and hardware of their
gadget.

But for those that are not equipped with the needed tools
to connect to a hotspot, here are some things that they
should have in order to do so.

1. Wireless adapter

- this is the primary requirement in being able to connect
to a hotspot. The wireless adapter is the one that
transmits data to and from the computer. Again, most modern
laptops are equipped with this. But for those without an
adapter, they can buy a wireless card or even a USB adapter
as an add-on.

2. Have the same IEEE802.11 protocol as the hotspot

- IEEE802.11 is a standard used by Wi-Fi. Under this are
different protocols that address specific wireless
networking needs such as speed and range. Although modern
wireless adapters are backward compatible, meaning they can
handle new as well as old protocols, older ones may have
problems connecting to hotspots using a protocol different
from what they use.

Therefore one has to make sure that either his/her laptop
is compatible to the one used by the hotspot, or get a
laptop that supports different protocols to connect to
different hotspots easily.

3. A good location in order to connect to a hotspot

- one also has to be within the hotspot’s range. The rule
of thumb when connecting to a hotspot is that the closer
one is to the source, the better. Laptops usually indicate
the signal strength so finding a good range should be easy.

Where to Find Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Wi-Fi hotspot is nothing short of a phenomenon for
wireless computing. Since it made the internet publicly
available, this technology enabled laptops to be truly
mobile computers.

While not every country has picked up on this technology
yet, there are several major cities and areas in the world
where it has been adapted. Below is a list of some of the
typical places where you can find Wi-Fi hotspots.

1. Coffee shops

- have gained popularity as places where people can meet
and have a good cup of coffee. But today, coffee shops have
now also become hubs for internet users. The good thing
here is that, they offer free and unlimited internet
connection to their patrons usually by just making a
minimum purchase.

2. Hotels

- more and more hotels offer this service which is mainly
geared towards business travellers. They can be accessed in
hotel rooms and lobbies. The only downside here is that
they are usually paid separately from the room rates and
can be quite expensive.

3. Airports

- Wi-Fi hotspots can now be found in major international
airports. This is also mainly geared towards business
travellers who may want to check their e-mail just before
boardingthe plane.

While hotspots are great places to get free internet
connection, people should also be aware that most of them
are unsecure.

It means that the data that anyone sends through the
network may be read by hackers and could be used for
criminal activities such as identity theft. Users can
protect themselves by not visiting websites that require
sensitive information when connected to unsecure networks.

Ashtanta Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a method of yoga that is taught in
India by Sri K Pattabhi Jois. This style of yoga
involves the synchronization of breathing with a
progressive series of postures.

This is a process that produces a kind of intense
internal heat as well as a drenching, purifying sweat
that is supposed to detoxify the muscles and organs of
the body. The result is a light and strong body,
improved circulation and a calm mind.

Ashtanga Yoga Background

Ashtanga Yoga is a method of yoga that was recorded by
Vamana Rishi in an ancient manuscript call the Yoga
Korunta. This article was said to contain lists of a
variety of groupings of asanas and highly original
teachings on the subjects of vinyasa, bandhas,
drishti, mudras and philosophy.

The text of this article was handed down to Sri T.
Krishnamacharya by his teacher Rama Mohan Brahmachari
in the early 1900’s. It later came into the possession
of Pattabhi Jois when he studied with Krishnamacharya
beginning in 1927. Jois has been teaching this type of
yoga since 1948 from his yoga shala.

The literal meaning of Ashtanga Yoga is “eight-limbed”
yoga as put forth by sage Patanjali. According to him,
the path of internal cleansing in order to reveal the
universal self is based on the following eight
spiritual practices:

* Yama which are moral codes

* Niyama which is based on study and self-purification

* Asana or posture

* Pranayama which is controlled breathing

* Pratyahara which is sense control

* Dharana which is concentration

* Dhyana which is meditation and

* Samadhi which is contemplation

Dru Yoga

Dru Yoga is a potent and graceful form on yoga. It is
based on directed breathing, soft flowing movements
and visualization. Its foundations were set in ancient
yogic tradition.

Dru Yoga works on the body, spirit and mind. It
improves flexibility and strength, creates core
stability, builds a heightened sense of positive
thinking, is deeply relaxing and rejuvenates your
entire being.

Dru Yoga was designed to be practiced by people of all
different fitness levels, different abilities and all
age groups. This is a style of yoga that can quickly
be picked up or you can learn more about it over your
lifetime.

Dru Meditation

If it has been one of your goals to learn how to
meditate in order to feel that inner calmness or to be
a stress reliever, then try Dru Meditation! The Dru
approach to meditation will help bring you balance no
matter what or how you are feeling.

If you seem to be agitated, Dru meditation will help
to bring you a feeling of calmness. If you feel
exhausted, this form of meditation will give your
energy.

It will bring peace to your spirit if you are feeling
anxious. The most important thing that Dru meditation
will do for you is to bring you to that still place
within you, with its sense of achievement, fullness
and deep healing properties that only meditation and
yoga can bring.

Hatha Yoga

Hatha yoga is a type of yoga that was introduced by
Yogi Seatmarama. This was a yogic sage that lived in
India in the 15th century. This is the most popular
form of yoga.

Several other styles of yoga originated from this type
including Bikram Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Power Yoga and
Ashtanga Yoga. The word “hatha” comes from two
Sanskrit terms: “ha” which means “sun” and “tha” which
means “moon”. Thus, the Hatha branch of yoga unites
pairs of opposites.

Hatha Yoga strives to achieve balance between the body
as well as the mind. It tries to free the spiritual
elements of one’s mind through Asanas or physical
poses, meditation and breathing techniques or
Pranayama.

Asanas are different body positions that are designed
to improve one’s health and remove diseases in the
body. These positions were originally meant for
meditation because these postures tend to make you
feel relaxed for long time periods.

By regularly practicing Asanas, you will gain muscle
flexibility, bone strength, the development of
concentration, will power and self-withdrawal.

Pranayama is the science of breath control. This is an
integral part of Hatha Yoga. The yogis of ancient
times believe that in order to control one’s mind you
had to control the breathing. This practice can also
help unleash any dormant energies that are lying deep
within your body.

When you practice Hatha Yoga, you are able to
recognize your hidden mental and physical potentials.
As you continue your performance of Asanas, you will
gain more strength and flexibility and learn to stay
relaxed during stressful situations.

History of Yoga

Several seals that were discovered at the Indus Valley
Civilization sites which date back to 3300 to 1700 BC
show drawings of figures that are in yoga or a
meditative like posture.

There is a great deal of evidence supporting the idea
that these pictures depict a form of ritual discipline
which suggests a precursor of yoga. This was pointed
out by the archaeologist Gregory Possehl.

He also points out the fact that there are sixteen
other “yogi glyptics”. These images point to the fact
that the yoga pose may not only have been used by
deities but also by humans. Possehl makes the
suggestion that yoga dates back to the early
civilization in the Indus Valley.

There is a very widely known image named the Pashupati
seal and it was discovered by John Marshall. He
believed that this was a representation of a
“proto-Shiva” figure.

Most modern authorities do not believe the idea that
this so called “Pashupati” represents a Rudra or Shiva
figure. Gavin Flood states that these views are merely
“speculative”.

He feels that it is not clear from this seal whether
the figure is indeed seated in a yoga posture. He does
not even know if this shape was supposed to represent
a human figure.

There are authorities who do support the idea that
this ‘Pashupati’ figure does indeed depict a figure in
a meditation or a yoga posture. This idea is supported
by noted archaeologist Jonathan Mark Kenover.

In 2007, terracotta seals were found in the Cholistan
Desert which is located in Pakistan. One of these
seals had three pictographs on one side. When the seal
is turned over, there is a “yogi” on the other side.

Jnana Yoga

Jnana means discernment or wisdom. Jnana yoga
literally means the path of wisdom. Ynana meditation
is multi-faceted. When one uses jnana meditation, one
tries to withdraw the mind and the emotions from
perceiving life. The one who participates in this form
of meditation tries to become tuned into reality or to
the spirit.

One of the main ways that the yogi of discernment
meditates, is to patiently lay aside all feeling and
though until he or she feels the radiant glow of the
soul dawning in the heart and mind. Transformation and
enlightenment take place within the rapt meditator.
One of the ways this is accomplished is through a
process called neti-neti.

Neti-neti Meditation

The meaning of neti-neti is “not this, not this”.

Whenever a feeling or thought comes into your mind
which is not one of the goals of the meditation or
which is not of the inner self, just say “Not this,
not this” and dismiss the image, sound, thought,
concept or sense distraction.

Any feeling or thought is patiently dismissed time and
again, if necessary, until your mind is cleared and
your soul is revealed.

Remember that you should not meditate in a passive
way. This state of consciousness is referred to as
alertness and is an amazing application of awareness.

As you form the habit of saying “neti-neti”, you will
be able to discard any doubt, worry or fear and become
established in the realm of inner self. You will then
be able to look back at fear and worries with deep
insight and be able to handle them.

Lose Weight With Yoga

Yoga has been touted to be a relaxation technique
which is able to tone the mind, body and spirit into
working harmoniously. Many yoga teachers and fitness
experts claim that yoga can lead to successful and
lasting weight loss.

Any weight loss program is comprised of a healthy diet
and regular exercise. However, you have to stick to
your program. This is difficult for most people as
their often hectic schedules make it hard to find
enough exercise time. This is where yoga can be
extremely fruitful.

Yoga is a very fast form of deep relaxation. Just the
most basic poses and breathing exercises will help you
deal with stress and clear your mind. This will affect
your state of mind not only toward yourself but your
whole life.

The more relaxed you become the better able you will
be to to control eating between meals. Deep breathing
exercises will help to improve your inner strength as
well as your concentration. This will help you stick
to your diet and exercise program.

Yoga tones your body and fortifies all of your
muscles. It helps to stimulate the glands that secrete
hormones which in turn increases your metabolism. As
you attain higher levels of yoga, you get faster at it
and find that it becomes easier to work off your
excess fat.

If you are extremely overweight, yoga is a very good
way of getting back into shape. It not only prepares
your mind but also your body for weight loss. If you
start your yoga sessions as well as the other required
steps to your weight loss program, you will soon
experience a lighter you and will begin to lead a much
better lifestyle.

Raja Yoga

Raja means kingly or royal. This form of meditation is
based on bringing the mind and emotions into balance
or harmony so that your attention may be easily
directed on the object of your meditation or on the
Lord directly.

Life force is generally a movement up and down the
spine so that it becomes balanced and the emotions as
well as the mind are serenely content.

Awareness is then directed to move forward into a
point that is located in the center of one’s lower
forehead. This meditation point, which is also called
the ajna, or third eye, is located about 1 half inches
above where the eyebrows meet.

When the energy becomes balanced throughout your body
and brain and moves effortlessly into the area of the
ajna, calmness seems to overtake your mind.

Certainly your mind is not passive but it frees itself
from the meaningless worries, thoughts and clutter of
the subconscious mind.

You derive a pleasant sense of well being in this
state and your mind seems to be filled with a velvety
darkness.

As your consciousness courses toward your third eye,
different pastel colors appear in your forehead. There
are sumptuous, glorious pinks, whites, indigos,
purples, yellows, blues and green that take their turn
in your forehead.

As your life force becomes stronger and more
concentrated you may think you see lightning,
fireflies or moonlight. This whole process is getting
you ready to experience your true nature.

The person who practices raja yoga in its purest form
lives in bless with the will completely surrendered to
God.

Sivananda Yoga

Sivananda Yoga, which was named after the teaching of
Swami Sivananda, is a form of hatha yoga. The training
focuses on preserving the wellness and health of the
practitioner.

People who teach this style of yoga must all be
graduates of the training course in Sivananda Yoga.
The students who take this Sivananda Yoga Teacher
Training Course vary widely in age and their degrees
of ability.

Unlike Ashtanga Vinyasa, which is yoga’s more athletic
program, Sivananda training centers around frequent
relaxation as well as emphasizing full, yogic
breathing.

Method

The Sivananda training method tries to retain the
body’s vitality, retard the decaying process and
lessen the chance of getting a disease by naturally
and simply cultivating the body. The philosophies of
Sivananda training are summarized in five basic
principles:

* Proper breathing or Pranayama

* Exercise or Asanas

* Relaxation of Savasana

* Diet: A vegetarian diet is recommended. The yogic
diet is limited to sattvic foods and you may not have
any rajasic or tasmasic foods.

* Positive thinking and meditation or the practice of
Vedanta and Dhyana

A training session typically begins with each
practitioner resting in Savasana. Everyone begins with
Anuloma Viloma and Kapalabhati and precedes with
rounds of Surya namaskara.

This is all before starting with the standard program
that takes into consideration the twelve basic asanas.
The average session runs for about 90 minutes.

The traditional program is usually left up to the
flexibility of the instructor. This allows for some
variation which is important so as not to allow
sessions to become boring for the participants.

Vini Yoga

Today in the fitness industry one of the swiftest
growing movements is the great art and practice of
yoga.

In case you have been out of touch with what has been
happening for the past couple of years, yoga is
sweeping through aerobics studios and health clubs all
across the United States and if finding acceptance as
a fitness activity as well as a means to balance the
energy of the body and reduce stress and thereby
restore a feeling of calmness.

There are a variety of types of yoga. There is Iyanga
yoga which is excellent for beginners. It is graceful
and fluid. It is not physically demanding and
therefore great for people who are not that
athletically inclined.

There is also Ashtanga yoga which is extremely
physical and intense. This is a great activity for
strength, fitness and endurance. It is truly the
mother of the “power yoga” classes.

The third kind of Hatha yoga is called Vini yoga. This
type of yoga is usually performed on a one-to-one
basis with an instructor. Vini yoga is more relaxed
that the two previous forms.

It is therapeutic, restorative and is based on one’s
individual breath. This means that the length of a
movement is determined by the ability of the
individual to inhale and exhale fully.

It seems that many postural imbalances are due to
breathing restrictions. Vini yoga is based on the
premise that the body’s energy is more balanced if you
are able to balance your breathing.

When you improve your breathing you not only improve
your posture, but you improve your overall energy and
develop the sense of being centered.

What Kind of Yoga is Best?

There are different forms of yoga. This type of
exercise can leave you toned and supple or you may
even be spiritually enlightened according to some
teachers. Yoga is the latest thing. It has reshaped
some of the greatest stars all the way from Madonna to
Sting.

Some forms of yoga are more physical and some are
highly spiritual. Yoga is extremely good for fatigue,
depression, arthritis, aging, stress-related illness,
migraine, PMS, back pain and mobility problems.

You must first decide why you wish to start yoga and
then go about choosing the appropriate form for you.
The principles of yoga are quite simple - relax, tune
out everything and stretch and you will feel better.

If you are looking to get fit these types of yoga are
for you:

” Hatha yoga ”

This type of yoga is based on controlled stretching.
An emphasis is placed on developing a flexible spine.
This type of yoga is excellent for all levels of
fitness.

” Vini yoga ”

This type of yoga is gentle and safe and is very good
for older people. It is taught by a teacher called a
Desikachar and is usually taught on an individual
basis.

If you really want to get physical then you should
choose these types of yoga:

” Lyenger yoga ”

This type of yoga focuses on correct postures. It
often makes use of ropes and blocks to maintain these
postures.

” Sivananda yoga ”

This type of yoga is suitable for every age and covers
a wide range of poses which range from simple to
complex. ” Ashtanga yoga ” This type of yoga is known
as power yoga. It is very demanding and is only
suitable for those people who are very fit.

For those of you who want to get spiritual, then you
would want to choose from these types of yoga:

” Raja yoga ”

This is often referred to as royal yoga. It is
concerned with the mind.

” Dru yoga ”

This is group yoga which concentrates very heavily on
breath work.

” Jnana yoga ”

This concentrates on the philosophical aspects of
youga and is very spiritual and meditative.