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May 09, 2005 (Computerworld) -- With other cities moving ahead on municipal WiFi plans, Boston looks to get in on the action with a summit on May 19. Beantown residents are being encouraged to turn out to discuss how WiFi could be used to help bridge the digital divide in the city. The summit, set to run from 8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum of Science, is an outgrowth of efforts by City Councillor John Tobin to push the issue. The Boston Wireless Access Group has more information.

Microsoft releases XP SP2 WiFi update
In case you missed this from last week, Microsoft has released a WiFi security upgrade for Windows XP users running Service Pack 2. The update adds support for security features in the 802.11i standard not already included in products that support WPA. "This update enhances the Windows XP wireless client software with support for the new Wi-Fi Alliance certification for wireless security. The update also makes it easier to connect to secure public spaces that are equipped with wireless Internet access...." You have to be running XP with Service Pack 2, and you'll need to restart your computer after the installation.

WiFi spoofing warning issued
If you're one of those wireless road warriors who loves hitting the hot spots at Starbucks, Panera Bread and other cozy WiFi corners, you'll want to check out this piece on evil twins. No, not the ones in scary movies -- the ones would-be hackers set up to steal your data. Evil twins look like genuine WiFi access points, but they operate in the same way as spoofed Web sites. You log onto the "wrong" WiFi hot spot, and hackers sniff out and collect your passwords, financial data and credit card numbers.

Where to go for municipal wireless info
If you've been following the debate over municipal WiFi plans -- and whether or not they're a good use of taxpayer money -- then you'll definitiely want to check out the latest report from MuniWireless.com. The 38-page PDF document offers a detailed and up-to-date look at the issue.

WiFi coming to the T in Boston?
If you live in or around Boston, WiFi access could be coming to a T stop near you. According to this short story at Beta News, subway riders in the Boston area will have wireless access at the Park Street, Downtown Crossing, Government Center and State Street stations, as well as in connecting tunnels, this fall. The service will be provided by InSite Wireless, and may be expanded across the entire system during the next few years.

Feds to test RFID at border crossings
The U.S. government plans to begin testing the use of RFID wireless chips at border crossings later this month. The goal, according to officials for the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology program: Determine if the wireless technology can be used to speed border crossings. The technology is similar to that used for toll booth passes, such as E-ZPass, according to this story at FCW.com.

Chunnel passengers get station WiFi
Eurostar, which operates the Chunnel rail service between England and France, has installed WiFi Internet access for passengers at its London Waterloo and Ashford stations, according to The Register. Although the service, provided by Eurostar partner Broadreach Networks, is open to all passengers, it's being aimed at business travelers, according to a story about the service. Users can buy vouchers for the WiFi access on site, or pay by credit card when they log on.

Here comes 802.11n
You know about 802.11b and 802.11g. Now comes 802.11n, and a review in PCWorld of new WiFi hardware from Belkin using the still-evolving wireless standard indicates that it offers a healthy speed boost. It cited speeds that were in some cases double those offered by 802.11g hardware. According to the magazine, the "Pre-N" hardware "would clearly benefit users who want to move large files, stream video, or extend the range of their home or small-office Wi-Fi network."

Where not to go for WiFi
You may have ferreted out in your travels which hotel chains generally offer reliable WiFi access. Now, HotelChatter.com offers a look at places you might want to avoid if you hope to be wireless. The site lists the top four hotels offering more woe than WiFi, but adds hopefully: "As we all know, hotels are constantly changing their WiFi and Internet capabilities and policies, so let's hope some of these hotels make corrections and leave this list in the future." As for the best places to stay? Click here.

San Francisco mayor looks to WiFi
Now that's a promise WiFi fans like to hear. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, in his state of the city address yesterday, said he wants all city residents to have access to free wireless service. In a story in Silicon.com, Newsom called wireless access important for the local economy. "We will not stop until every San Franciscan has access to free wireless Internet service. These technologies will connect our residents to the skills and the jobs of the new economy."

Ultrawideband explained
In case you've been wondering just what ultrawideband wireless is, and why you should care, The Economist has done you a big favor: It's offering a detailed look at the emerging wireless technology, as well as some of its rivals. You'll find the story at Economist.com.

WiFI spammer pleads guilty
A Los Angeles man has pleaded guilty to using unsecured wireless access points to send porn-related e-mails from his car. Prosecutors said the guilty plea by Nicholas Tombros, 37, is the first criminal conviction under the federal CAN-SPAM Act, according to a story at SecurityFocus.com. Tombros drove around Venice, Calif. with a laptop and a Wi-Fi antenna seeking residential access points, which he then used to send thousands of untraceable spam messages advertising pornography sites.

Weird wireless
Talk about a frightful WiFi experience. The Bourbon Orleans, a Wyndham hotel in New Orleans, is touting wireless access in all of its just-remodeled rooms--and noting that guests might even see a ghost during their stay.

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