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.