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Mobile computing allows access to the internet on the go through various devices such as laptops, PDAs, and cell phones. WiFi and cellular broadband are used for internet access, with cellular broadband being more mobile. Cloud computing and VPNs are also accessible through mobile computing.
Mobile computing encompasses a range of portable technologies that make accessing the Internet on the go not only possible, but an integral part of everyday life. From notebook computers to personal digital assistants (PDAs) such as Blackberry® and iPhone®, to standard cell phones, mobile computing has become an indispensable way of life.
Mobile laptops and notebook computers can use one of two types of wireless access services when you are away from your home or office. The most commonly used and least expensive is WiFi®. WiFi uses radio waves to broadcast an Internet signal from a wireless router to its immediate area. If your wireless network is not encrypted, anyone can access it. WiFi is commonly used in public places to create “hotspots”.
The downside to WiFi is that you need to locate a hotspot, then stay within broadcast range to use it. An alternative to WiFi is cellular broadband. This type of mobile computing technology uses a cellular modem or AirCard® to connect to cell towers for Internet access. The AirCard fits into the PC Card or ExpressCard slot of a notebook or laptop, literally giving you Internet access on the go. You don’t have to stand still to use cellular broadband as the signal will stay strong wherever there is cellular service.
Cellular broadband is also used to provide Internet access to cell phones and PDAs. Access is generally considered a premium service that increases the monthly cost of the plan associated with the device or incurs additional costs when used. In some cases, limited Internet access is permitted free of charge when you connect to the carrier’s website to manage an account, for example, or to purchase products from the carrier, such as custom ringtones or wallpapers.
Another service associated with mobile computing is cloud computing or the ability to use website services from mobile computers. Cloud computing provides access to a network-like environment with various applications and virtually unlimited resources so that field representatives, for example, can use website resources instead of being supplied with heavy and expensive machines full of software and company data. Mobile computing also provides access to a company’s virtual private network (VPN) by tunneling through the Internet. It is nearly impossible to estimate the value of the business productivity boost that mobile computing offers.
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