9. Wi-Fi and Hotspots A Wireless Primer

Wi-Fi is a specific type of wireless network that is very common. Wi-fi and hotspots are two factors that contribute most to making mobile computing convenient, useful, and fun. If your Mac laptop has an AirPort Card installed, it can detect any Wi-Fi network.

Hotspots are public Wi-Fi networks, most commonly found at Internet cafes, coffee shops, and hotels. A hotspot can be an open or closed network.

An open network is accessible and doesn’t require a password. Sometimes it’s planned that way with Internet access provided as a service. In other cases, it may be a private network that just hasn’t been secured with a password. You can use any open network that your Mac laptop detects, but you may get scolded ...

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