Wireless

Basically, Wireless means... um... without wires (from the Latin [-WiThOuT WiReS-]). Well, Gosh! That could mean practically anything, as long as it means "without wires." Yes. Exactly. You could, for example, own a "wireless pony" or a "wireless bicycle tire." That doesn't help you much in the computer world, but it does explain why folks can buy a "Wireless Keyboard" and still not be able to access their network from home.

Because of who we are and what we do, the following explanations will be focused primarily on wireless as used in the computing world, and geared toward beginner computer users. Links will be provided for you, in case you are interested in broader applications of wireless. There are several different types of wireless and we will touch briefly upon the most pertinent to computer usage. Here they are in [an attempt at] alphabetical order:

AirCard	See Cellular Wireless, below.
Bluetooth	Bluetooth is a type of specialized wireless network that is usable by a number of electronic devices, not all of them considered computers in the widely accepted sense of the word. Keyboards, mice, telephones, cell phones, headsets, key chains, laptops, personal computers, printers, GPS receivers, digital cameras, video game consoles, and many more, can be Bluetooth capable. Now, insofar as it pertains to the computing world, Bluetooth will [most likely] not enable you to get on the wireless network at your work, home, or favorite coffeehouse. However, providing that your cellular provider allows you to do so, you may be able to use it in a small network with your laptop or desktop, dial out to the internet with your cell phone, then use the internet on your computer that way. For more information on Bluetooth, click here.
Cellular Broadband	In a nutshell, you can get "high speed," "broadband" access to the Internet, with a cell phone, Cardbus, ExpressCard, or USB cellular modem. In some cases, these devices also support and use WiFi. For more information on Cellular Broadband, click here (then scroll down).
WiFi	Wi-Fi is a commonly used wireless network in computer systems which enables connection to the internet or other machines that have Wi-Fi functionalities. Wi-Fi networks broadcast radio waves (instead of wires) that can be picked up by Wi-Fi receivers attached to different computers. This is what you need to get on to your wireless network at home, office, or favorite coffeehouse. Your laptop needs to have a WiFi card attached, either internally or externally, and there needs to be a wireless router present to connect everyone together. With a small amount of tinkering, you can connect two computers wirelessly without a router, though this provides neither with internet access. If one of these laptops has internet access, then it can share its connection with the other over wireless. For more information on WiFi, click here.