Sorry for the delay in getting  this Part 2 on Wireless Networking.  In today’s post I am covering Wireless Security, in particular Authentication (but will just refer to it as security), and will address Cipher types in my next post.  When it comes to security there are several options on the newest devices.  If you get an older unit may only find the first security introduced called WEP.  WEP comes in 128 and 256 bit encryption but is not secure.  It is better than no security, but be aware that if someone wants to crack they can with free tools that are available.  The FBI conducted a demonstration where they cracked the encryption in under 5 minutes.

WPAv1 was the next security to be implemented and was a great improvement over WEP.  The security is only as good as the passphrase used with it. You can use an 8 to 63 character passphrase, or you can enter a 64 character hexidecimal passphrase.  Simple passphrases can be cracked with simple offline dictionary attacks.  WPA supports use of a Radius server helping increase the security and prevention of the passphrase being hacked.

In 2004 the newest Authentication introduced was WPAv2.  The biggest advance with this was in the Cipher strength or encryption which will be covered in my next post.

On Sunday I provided a link to the Windows Blog with FAQ’s on Wireless Networks.  Over the next few posts I will cover this technology and help you in making the best decision for you needs.  In today’s post I will cover the wireless network types of A/B/G/N and what they mean.  These letters refer to the protocol used to communicate.  The primary differences are in bandwidth, frequency, and distance they can operate.  As you can probably guess, version ‘A’ was the first wireless standard and ‘N’ is the latest.  You probably assume each one was better than the previous and that would be true, too.  The eHow has a good synopsis of the different protocols.  It is key to note that G offers compatibility with B wireless.  If you wondering about security I will cover this in my next post.

For those needing to purchase a new PC for a student, you can also get an XBox 360.  The details are on Windows Student on Facebook.

This week I will go over setting up a wireless network for your home and/or business.  There is quite a bit to consider when setting up wireless access and hopefully I will answer your questions and concerns.  To start with, Windows has answered many of the questions people have regarding wireless networks.

As I was working with an individual this week it came up in our discussion that they had just renewed their contract for their mobile phone.  The person was asking about what did and did not use data because they had a limit.  I shared that Verizon had just stopped their unlimited data with all new contracts.  They were upset because they could have taken advantage of this.  I realized that many of you may be wondering

Yesterday I talked about inserting video into your PowerPoint presentation.  Today is about adding special effects to that video.  This only applies to PowerPoint 2010.

For those who look for ways to make a better PowerPoint presentation one way to impress those who are presenting to is to insert a video clip.  Many times a video can a lot more about a subject/object than you can.  Below you will find links to PowerPoint 2003(also 2000 and XP), 2007, and 2010.  There are a couple of things you need to consider