We are well connected today, but communication gap still lurks in different quarters making our life miserable. For instance, weak signals disrupt our mobile conversation and gaps in Advanced Wi-Fi technologies in computing are opening up new frontiers of communication for the needy people. We are more adept to changes and with the advent latest Wi-Fi technologies, our daily regimen of conversation just got easier.
However, we still encounter disruptions in Wi-Fi connectivity from time to time. To counter this major problem this Christmas, we must fine-tune our skills.
The way we generally connect to the Internet is fast changing. The conventional cabled Internet is giving way to the wireless version. Upgrading to broadband Internet has become commonplace today. Furthermore, at public places like - coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, libraries or airports we can easily gain access to the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots.
These Wi-Fi hotspots are in general LANs or Local Area Networks that facilitate Internet access through a wireless connectivity on laptops or net book computer.Wi-Fi hotspots provide flexibility of working while we are on the move.
However, certain Wi-Fi hotspots may also pose high risk to our personal information like confidential data and password which may even lead to corruption .Hence, it is necessary to follow certain safety norms while using Wi-Fi hotspots.
We can secure our Wi-Fi Connectivity this Christmas by following eight simple steps as mentioned below.
1) Activate Firewall: It is a “must do” while trying to access a Wi-Fi hotspot. Firewall prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing our computers via the Internet. A firewall allows incoming traffic to computers on selective basis. Windows Vista, XP and Windows 7 have built-in firewalls. However, we must keep the firewall active, while accessing a Wi-Fi hotspot.
2) Keeping the security software active and up-to-date: Our anti-virus or anti-spyware software must always be kept active. It should always be equipped with latest virus definitions, etc. This will help protect computer systems from malicious attacks while surfing the Internet at Wi-Fi hotspots.
3) Select secure connections whenever possible: If a Wi-Fi hotspot provides an option to connect via a secured connection, always opt for it. Check for online security certificate whenever possible. Only a secured connection would send information in the form of encrypted data .It would thus protect all the personal information.
4) Disable “File and Printer sharing” and “Client for Microsoft Networks”: Change the settings of Wi-Fi connection and disable “File and Printer Sharing” and “Client for Microsoft Networks” services. These services expose computers to security threats.
5) Encrypt all the important data: Always encrypt the sensitive files and data. This is very much true while accessing a Wi-Fi hotspot. An encrypted file is inaccessible to hackers.
6) Mark all the important folders “private”: If we want to protect all our important folders, we must tag them as “private”. This will resist others from accessing them without our consent. Selecting strong passwords is one simple solution.
7) Configure Wi-Fi connections to networks in manual mode: The properties of Wi-Fi connection links only to preferred networks using manual mode. This gives us the choice of whether to log into a Wi-Fi hotspot, thus giving us full control.
8) Avoiding sensitive transactions at Wi-Fi Hotspots: Wi-Fi hotspots are generally meant for browsing the Internet. We must avoid using them for performing sensitive transactions like credit card transactions, banking transactions , online shopping , just to name a few.
These fundamental safety precautions definitely help to protect and guard computers from data theft or malicious attack at Wi-Fi hotspots. This Christmas stay connected to the | 
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