Mac OS X Unwired

Summary

Mac OS X Unwired introduces you to the basics of wireless computing, from the reasons why you'd want to go wireless in the first place, to setting up your wireless network or accessing your wireless services on the road. The book provides a complete introduction to all the wireless technologies supported by Mac OS X, including Wi-Fi (802.11b and g), infrared, Bluetooth, CDMA2000, and GPRS. You'll learn how to set up your first wireless network and how use the Mac OS X software that supports wireless, such as iSync, iChat, and Rendezvous. You'll also get a good understanding of the limitations and liabilities of each wireless technology.

Other topics covered in the book include:

• Using wireless at home, in the office, or on the road
  
• Connecting to wireless hotspots
  
• Wireless Security

Mac OS X Unwired is a one-stop wireless information source for technically savvy Mac users. If you're considering wireless as an alternative to cable and DSL, or using wireless to network computers in your home or office, this book will show you the full-spectrum view of wireless capabilities of Mac OS X, and how to get the most out of them.

Table of Contents

Preface  

Chapter 1. Introduction to Wireless Computing 

     Why Go Wireless?  

     Connecting Without Wires  

     Wireless Hardware  

     Bluetooth  

     Wireless Software  

Chapter 2. Wi-Fi in Your Mac 

     About 802.11b and 802.11g  

     AirPort Cards  

     Installing AirPort Cards  

     Third-Party Connection Solutions  

     Setting Up Your Mac to Use Wi-Fi  

     Extending the Titanium PowerBook's Range  

Chapter 3. Making the Wi-Fi Connection 

     Setting Up a Wireless Network  

     Networking Principles  

     AirPort Base Stations  

     Using the AirPort Admin Utility  

     Roaming Networks  

     Internet Sharing (Software Base Stations)  

     Computer to Computer Networks  

     Third-Party Base Stations  

Chapter 4. Wi-Fi on the Road 

     Finding a Hotspot  

     Ethics and Legalities of Open Networks  

Chapter 5. Security 

     Secure Wireless Computing  

     Virtual Private Networks  

     Secure Shell (SSH)  

     Firewalls  

     Wi-Fi Security  

     Are 802.11 Networks Really Secure?  

Chapter 6. Bluetooth 

     About Bluetooth  

     Choosing and Installing a Bluetooth Adapter  

     Connecting Cellular Phones  

     Connecting a PDA  

     Using iSync  

     Bluetooth Security  

     Troubleshooting Bluetooth  

Chapter 7. Cellular Connectivity 

     Cellular Networking Price and Performance  

     GPRS  

     SMS Messaging  

     CDMA  

     Acceleration  

     Tips for Road Warriors  

Chapter 8. Rendezvous 

     What Is Rendezvous?  

     Setting Up Peer-to-Peer Networking  

     Using Rendezvous with iChat AV  

     Using Rendezvous with Safari  

     Using Rendezvous with Camino  

     Sharing Files Using Rendezvous  

     Remote Login  

     Collaborative Editing with SubEthaEdit  

     Using Rendezvous with iTunes to Share Music

Appendix:. RF and Infrared 

Glossary  

Index