Go Wireless For Summer – Bring The Web Outdoors

When the weather gets nice in Minnesota, even us dweebs like to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Fortunately, there are a number of ways we can get outdoors and still remain glued to our computer screens. Here's some info that should help you bring your Internet outdoors for the summer.

Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi, Everywhere

Wireless internet is no longer a pipe dream for those who like to wander beyond the confines of indoor environments. Here are some ways to get on the "Outernet":

• Municipal Wi-Fi. For example, here in Minneapolis, we get municipal wi-fi that can be accessed from many of the parks. For about $20 dollars a month, you can have up to two computers on your account. Most major metropolitan areas have something similar.



• Free Wi-Fi Hotspots. Free wi-fi isn't just for internet cafés anymore. You can find them at public libraries, bookstores, fast-food joints, hotel lobbies, and airports, to name a few. Many of these places have outdoor areas where you can enjoy your Internet – here in Minneapolis, you can set up shop at Brueggers, Dunn Bros., Arbys, and even Dairy Queen. Search for wi-fi hotspots in your area at JiWire.com.



• Extend Your Home Wi-Fi. If you want to be outdoors at your house, just put your wireless router by your window, and you can get your wireless reception in your yard. If your yard is truly sprawling, you can get an antennae with a suction cup that sticks to your window to increase your signal. Here's one example.



• WIMAX Rollout Coming Soon. Google, Comcast, and other major companies are sinking loads of money into a technology to build a nationwide wireless network more powerful than Wi-Fi. Read all about it at www.WIMAX.com.

Get The Gear

Wireless cards and the ever-growing selection of ultra-portable laptops are making it easier to access the Internet on the go.

• Wireless Cards. Several companies have come out with a wireless card to help you bring your Internet out and about. For example, with Sprint's Mobile Broadband, all you have to do is shove the little doo-dad into your USB port, and voila! Anywhere you can get Sprint cellular service, you can get Internet as well. The card itself runs about fifty bucks with the purchase of a phone and plan. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay for the data plan. Most major cellular providers have similar cards and plans � T Mobile and AT&T to name a couple.



• Highly Portable, Outdoor-Friendly Laptops. If you're looking for an ultra-light laptop for maximum portability, check out the Macbook Air (on the spendy end) or the supersmall Asus EEE (on the thrifty end). If you're familiar with the one-laptop-per-child campaign, you might also know about the XO laptop. This device was designed for children in developing countries, with a high-contrast screen for outdoor viewing. Whatever laptop you choose, keep in mind that your time outdoors will be limited by your battery life.

So you see, it's no longer such an oxymoron to be a computer geek and an outdoorsy person. Enjoy your Outernet this summer!

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Six Ways to A Green Computer Experience

More and more, we are becoming aware of the human impact on our environment. The rapid advancement of technology is not blameless. Harmful chemicals and energy drains are just a couple of technology's environmental weaknesses. However, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize the impact of your technology on our environment.

• Don't buy new if used will do. If you purchase a used item that meets your needs, you get points for going easy on the planet and your wallet. You're saving an item from being trashed and you're having something new made that will eventually end up in a landfill.



• Look for the Energy Star logo. If you do buy new, make sure you buy energy efficient flat-panel monitors with the energy star logo on it. And if possible, buy a laptop or flat-panel monitor that uses LED technology because it has less harmful chemicals than the traditional monitors.



• Set your computer to Hibernate when you're not using it. If you're going to be away from your computer, you should at the very least set it to hibernate. This is a significant energy saver. Also, make sure to unplug it – as long as something is plugged in, it still draws power.



• Make use of power strips with a master switch. If you don't want to unplug all of your electrical devices one-by-one, you can get a powerstrip with a power button to take away that extra step. Some even come with remote controls.



• Buy a kilowatt monitoring box. These can be attached between your outlet and your device and will tell you exactly how much energy your device is using. That way you can calculate how much you're spending on electricity to specific items.



• Sell, donate, or recycle. When you're going to part with your computers, monitors, and any other computer-related equipment, don't throw it away. Almost all computer equipment have elements that are harmful to the environment if not properly disposed of. If you sell, you get money. If you donate, you get a tax break. If you recycle, you may have to pay, but major retailers like Best Buy and Circuit City usually have events a couple of times a year to drop off your old computer equipment for free.

There are many resources available if you're interested in more ideas for making your technology green. Green Living Ideas and the Green Techno Log are just a few. If you have more ideas, email them to insider@arcstone.com. We may share your ideas in a future issue!

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• Go Green For Summer – Bring The Web Outdoors
• Six Ways To A Green Computing Experience