Discover Your Laptop's Greatest Security Vulnerability, Windows Ad-hoc Mode

Not everyone in this world is as computer savvy asshould be exactly the same.
we would like to be and many are afraid to askUsing Ad-Hoc
about computer technology out of sheerConfiguring the Ad-Hoc system on Windows XP can
embarrassment. Well, if you are unclear about whatbe relatively simple and problem free. You can have
the deal is with Ad-Hoc mode in windows is, searchup to nine people who are on your as- hoc network
no further. This article will break down for you whatbut you will be limited by distance since this wireless
Ad-Hoc is, why it was created, the differencestechnology does not reach very far. First, go to the
between XP/Vista ad hoc modes and how to use it.wireless adapter and click on the properties tab which
What is Windows Ad-Hoc mode?will prompt you to click on the wireless networks tab.
Ad-Hoc is the ability to connect from one computerThen you click on configure my wireless network
(or mobile device) to another without having to bysettings. Then once you see Advanced options, click
pass an access point. These access points are likeon that. Here you will be able to enable the computer
wireless networks that you log into and that secureto computer option also known as ad hoc. To add ad
the network for you. Ad-Hoc technology should onlyhoc networks, click the close button and then
be used with people that you know and that there isWindows will ask you which sites you would like to
a certain reason why you are using it. Such asadd to your ad hoc network. Click on the network
passing documents off from one computer toand then click on add. Then you will have the further
another. Once you are done, you should disable theoption of enabling and disabling this feature.
feature, which is discussed later in the article.To disfigure the connection, you follow the same
If you need to send applications, photos, music,steps but when it asks if you want to connect to an
movies, documents, software, etc. to anotherad hoc system, simply unclick that option and you will
person, you can do it from a direct connect fromhave disabled the feature. Make sure to disable the
one computer to another without having to gonetworks that you added to your ad hoc network.
through a service provider. This is great in times thatAd hoc is an excellent option for those who need to
the internet is not functioning well and you have thesend documents or applications quickly and in a limited
two computers in relatively close distances.range such as in an office building floor, a house or
Why does Ad-Hoc exist?classroom. The use of Ad hoc can be hazardous to
Ad-Hoc is ideal, especially between colleagues andyour computer if you always keep it configured, so
students, who want to share files. With Ad Hoctry to disable it after using it. Ad hoc is not
technology, you are able to connect directly tonecessary because you can use your wireless
another computer without an intermediate party.adapter to commit the same work of sending
However, if you are not very technologically adept, itapplications and receiving them as well, yet
is safer to have your computer working through ansometimes it proves to be faster just using direct
access point because it is more secure. Computerscomputer to computer technology.
often can have information stolen or corrupted bySecurity is key. Only join ad hoc networks where
using an Ad-Hoc source.you are a friend, colleague or family member of
Differences between Ad-Hoc in Windows XP andpeople you know. Therefore, none of your
Windows Vistadocuments will be compromised. Many times using ad
There is not really any difference between Ad-Hoc inhoc is looked down upon in, especially in business
these two systems. Ad-hoc is available in bothbecause employees by pass all of the security
systems and they are compatible with each other.measures. However, on the other side of the coin,
For example, a computer running on Windows XP isthose who are paranoid about the government or
able to be part of the ad hoc network of a user thatemployer snooping through private documents, there
has a computer running on Windows Vista and viceis not much they can do in regards to the ad hoc
versa. It seems that Windows XP can control popsystem.
ups from ad hoc networks that are in range whereAd hoc is not very difficult to use so you should not
as Windows Vista likes to give its user the optionbe deterred by it. Play around with it for a while. If it
that an ad hoc system is around you even thoughbenefits your style and makes the world a bit less
you have disabled the technology. In terms of use, itcomplicated, then go for it. If it is a pain, then dimply
is used exactly the same in the two Windowsdisconnect it and you will never have to deal with it
applications and has the same sending capabilitiesagain. At least now you know what ad hoc is, why it
(applications, photos, music, movies, documents,was created, the differences between the ad hoc
software, etc). The only difference may be how tosystem in the Windows XP and the Windows Vista
get navigate to your wireless adapter. However,versions (or lack there of) and how to enable and
after finding the wireless adapter, the options anddisable your ad hoc networking system. Piece of
directions to enable and disable the Ad hoccake, right?
networking system in your Window's computer