Wi-Fi opens doors to connectivity
by Sawyer Thomas, online editor
In a world where convenience is key and everything is
available at almost any time of day, it’s no wonder that the
field of communications has made vast leaps to keep up with
its growing population of users.
When you can get a cheeseburger at 2:30
a.m., or do your grocery shopping at the break of dawn,
life, it would seem, has achieved the pinnacle of
convenience.
But with the emergence of Wi-Fi, or
wireless fidelity, it revolutionized the way that we can
communicate with one another, by enabling Internet access at
any point anywhere it is available. It made it possible to
achieve information anytime, anywhere, and almost any place.
Wi-Fi, also known as wireless Internet
by the technologically-challenged, has become almost a
necessity. Apartment complexes, restaurants, schools and
libraries are among those jumping on the Internet wavelength
bandwagon.
Despite some skepticism, people have
mostly accepted the Internet phenomenon. Some people think
that it isn’t safe, but how safe it is really depends upon
the user. Firewalls, virus protection software, and many
other precautions can be taken to make sure your computer is
safe and secure from hackers and others who wish to harm
your computer. Some safety measures for Wi-Fi users to
consider include:
1)
Disable file-sharing. I know that the main thing I
use my computer for is downloading music, despite the fact
of how illegal unauthorized file-sharing may be. Turn it
off if you are at a Wi-Fi hotspot, because it makes it that
much easier for another user to access your computer.
2)
Activate your firewall and virus protection
software. This makes it that much harder for people to
access your computer. Firewalls make it easy to protect
your computer from evil people who wish to access all your
files.
Since it is so convenient, Wi-Fi
‘hotspots’ are popping up all over, including in Lubbock and
Levelland. Places such as Hastings on 50th
Street and Slide Road and Sugar Brown’s on 50th
Street are now offering Wi-Fi to their customers at no
charge.
Mamma Mia’s in Levelland also offers
the Wi-Fi service to its customers. Amber Morris, a
19-year-old Levelland resident and the assistant manager at
Mamma Mia’s, said that 10 to 15 percent of their customer
base uses the Wi-Fi.
“(Wi-Fi) gives opportunity to do their
homework as their eating,” Morris said.
Most of the residence halls and
buildings on campus offer free Wi-Fi for their students so
they can get their work done. Leaila Burleson, a
19-year-old South Plains College student, said, “It’s a
convenience knowing you can sit outside your class, and
still be online. And you can sit in chemistry and talk to
friends.”
“I use the Wi-Fi every day in my dorm
room,” she added. “I get up in the morning, turn my computer
on and it’s on all day.”
Many people find that Wi-Fi makes life
easier. Apartment complexes sometimes offer free Wi-Fi
Internet, and it’s broadcasting a signal far enough to reach
throughout a complex.
Wi-Fi makes the perfect companion to
anybody on the go, whether it’s going to Starbucks for a
nice latte and just surfing the Internet, getting on MySpace
or doing homework. That way, wherever you are, you are
always connected.
“If they could offer it more
throughout the whole town, it’d be great.” Burleson said.
Wi-Fi is a convenience right now, but
it is quickly growing to be a necessity. The following
places in Lubbock offer Wi-Fi Internet service at no charge:
Bleacher’s Sports Café, Briercroft
Laundry, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, all Burger King
locations, Caffe Gelato, Chick-fil-A, Coffee Haus, and Day
Break Coffee Roasters.
Other places in Lubbock include:
Hastings Books, Music & Video, Home Café, Home Plate Diner,
Hooters of Lubbock, McAllister’s Deli, McDonald’s, Memphis
Laundry, Ruby Tequilas Restaurant, and Sugar Brown’s Coffee.
In Levelland, Wi-Fi is available at
McDonald’s, Mamma Mia’s and Bengle Qikease Coffee
house.
