With wireless capabilities being built into every newlaptop under the sun, the internet is quickly becoming analways-on, always accessible way of doing business.

So what does that mean for you then?

Well, I don't need to tell you the value of being ableto communicate with your clients from anywhere, at anytime.(Of course, we all have the power to choose just howaccessible and available we are to our clients, but Idigress...)

The real power of a quick email reply to an urgent clientrequest from your wireless device of choice is this:it makes your client feel VALUED and IMPORTANT. It isa feeling we all live for. Delivering that feeling to yourclients will do more for increasing your profits than manyother activities.

That's the power of wireless.

Want to go wireless? Here are some basics. Much of thisis not stuff you need to remember, but just information tohelp fill out your understanding:

*Wireless networks have flavors. There aren't many, butmost wireless networks are one of three types, which arelabeled by the letters a, b, and g. The differences arequite technical. In short, A and B are pretty oldand G is the newest and the fastest. End of story.

*Wireless networks have names. These network names have beengiven the techie acronym SSID, which stands for Service SetIDentifier. When you sit down at your laptop and pull upthe list of wireless networks in the area, the names in thatlist are, you guessed it, the SSIDs. Please don't botherto remember this acronym, you most likely won't need itagain.

*Wireless networks can have extra security. This extrasecurity comes in the form of encryption. Just like thetechnology used to protect your data when logging on to yourbank accounts online, wireless networks can be (and should be)ENCRYPTED to protect your business data.

*New laptops are wireless ready. Most every new laptop comeswith wireless access built in. No additional hardware orsoftware is required. For older laptops, however, you willneed a small wireless card that can be purchased foranywhere between $15.00 and $100.00 at your local computerstore.

While wireless internet access provides many, many benefitsto you and your business, there is a dark side...

As internet access becomes more and more interwoven into thebusiness landscape, internet SECURITY, will become more andmore of a priority.

Wireless security is not only something for the techworld to worry about. When dealing with private clientdata (which we ALL do), it is in your best interest tounderstand what you are dealing with. Don't worry, it'sjust a matter of understanding a few simple ideas andthen applying them to protect yourself.

By default, most wireless networks send everyone's dataflying through the air unprotected. If you have the propertools (which are easily downloadable from the internet),you can pluck that data straight out of the air.

The wireless access at your local coffee shop or libraryis most often this type: completely unsecured and open toprying eyes. Yes, even Starbucks lets your data flythrough the air, available for all.

So enough scare tactics...

The only word you have to remember when it comes toprotecting yourself and your data is ENCRYPTION.

A good rule of thumb: If a wireless network is notencrypted, DON'T connect to it.

Some might say this is a bit paranoid. To that I might say,"Should my clients expect anything less?"

It is one thing if you are a college kid sitting at acoffee shop sending messages back and forth between yourfriends. It is quite another when you are preparing a legalbrief or some other piece of confidential information thatwill be sent to your client.

So how do you tell if a wireless network is encrypted?

Simple...

If you need a password to connect, it is encrypted. If nopassword is required, you are operating in the open with noprotection whatsoever.

There are various encryption strengths, some suited foryour basic office environment and some more suited foreven more confidential situations, like a doctor's office.

At this point, the important thing is not so much the strengthof the encryption as much as whether or not you have itat all. Most would-be internet thieves (no, that is not theirtechnical name), upon seeing an encrypted wireless network,will move on the thousands and thousands of easier targetswith no encryption.

The bottom line:

The benefits wireless internet access bring to your businessare too numerous to count. If you aren't "wireless" yet,look into it. If used properly, it can add heaps of valueto the service you offer your clients.

Once you go wireless, you owe it to yourself, your businessand your clients to be knowledgeable enough to protect yourdata from theft.

Hi. My name is Jason Leister. I have been helping people do productive things with computers and technology for longer than I can remember.

I started Computer Super Guy, LLC because I love business. In particular, I love helping others make their businesses GROW.

Now when I say business, I am talking about passionate businesses, that stand for something and are creative expressions of their owners.

If that sounds a bit mushy, or a bit too touchy-feely, well, I'm not sorry. It's what I believe and it is what I live.

And it is why you will benefit from working with my firm.