This is based on a wireless Local Area Network standard for transmitting your Internet connection over a short distance. This is commonly called Wi-Fi, short for wireless fidelity, and refers to a series of standardized technical specifications, the most common being 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g.

The basic idea is that you use your Internet connection at your home or office and plug it in to a wireless router. Fortunately, this technology has become very standardized, which means you can use equipment from just about any manufacturer to work with your existing computer and networking hardware.

Next, you need to add a wireless card or antenna to your computer. This can often be done with a simple USB adapter that plugs right in to your computer. After that, follow the step by step software installation and you are ready to connect.

If you have this full setup with a wireless router connected to your home Internet connection as well as the adapter/card antenna on your computer, you can wirelessly access the Internet from your computer located anywhere in your house.

In fact, with a laptop, you can just roam around from the couch to the back porch through the kitchen to your home office all while remaining online. I can tell you this is a wonderful convenience you will definitely enjoy.

But, this isn't for just home use. This can be very handy at the office as well.

When it comes down to it, setting up a wireless network isn't all that difficult. For that reason, it can be a quick solution for the small business owner to build and administer his own office network.

Again, plug in your main Internet connection to a wireless router, then equip each of your office computers with the wireless adapter to receive the signal, and that's it. Well, not quite. Of course, you still need to install the basic software and, with both the home and office settings, it is important to take basic security precautions and set up the passwords so you know your network remains secure.

It has become so easy and affordable to setup up these wireless networks that businesses are using it as a new way to draw in customers.

Promoted as a hotspot, it is becoming more and more common to see restaurants, coffee shops, RV parks, hotels and even bars advertising free wireless Internet access to draw in new customers.

So you, as a consumer, show up with your laptop equipped with the wireless adapter and automatically gain access to the Internet as you move in range of the business' wireless router signal.

This can be very handy for high-tech business meetings, working lunches, keeping in touch during vacation or just having fun surfing the net while enjoying your afternoon coffee.

Looking for places in Yuma to give it a try? Here is a list to get you going:

Best Western Coronado of Yuma

Caravan Oasis RV Park

Cocopah RV and Golf Resort

Coffee Bean

Desert Paradise and Cactus Gardens RV Resorts

Hidden Shores RV Resort and Village

Java Oasis Espresso and Juice Bar

Las Quintas Oasis RV Park

Ramada Inn Chilton Conference Center

Shangri-La RV Resort

Shilo Inn

Sun Vista RV Park

Suni Sands RV Resort

Westwind RV & Golf Resort

Yuma International Airport

The Yuma Landing Restaurant