Introduction

= ​​ __Mobile Computing__ by: Brenda Vaitkevicius and Audra Butler =

  Mobile computing  embraces a host of portable technologies that makes Internet access on the go not only possible, but integral to every day life. Some of the tools used in mobile computing are smart phones, netbook computers, laptop computers, and PDAs (personal digital assistant). The fastest growing sales segment belongs to smart phones- which means that a massive and increasing number of people all over the world now own and use a computer that fits in their hand and is able to connect to the network wirelessly from virtually anywhere. Mobile computing tools are used for business, video/audio capture and basic editing, sensing and measurement, geolocation, social networking, personal productivity, references, and just in time learning.  Mobile  laptop and notebook computers can use one of two types of wireless access services when away from the home or office. The most commonly used and least expensive is WiFi. WiFi uses radio waves to broadcast an Internet signal from a wireless router to the immediate surrounding area. If the wireless network is not encrypted, anyone can jump on. WiFi is commonly used in public places to create “hotspots.” The drawback to WiFi is that you must locate a hotspot, then stay put within broadcasting range to use it. An alternative to WiFi is cellular broadband. This type of mobile computing  technology utilizes a cellular modem or AirCard to connect to cell towers for Internet access. The AirCard fits into the PC Card or ExpressCard slot of a notebook or laptop, delivering Internet access on the go, literally. One needn’t remain stationary to use cellular broadband as the signal will remain strong everywhere there is cellular service. Cellular broadband is also used for providing Internet access to cell phones and PDAs. Access is usually considered a premium service that either increases the monthly cost of the plan associated with the device, or incurs extra fees when used. In some cases, restricted Internet access is allowed for free when connecting to the carrier’s website to manage an account, for example, or to purchase products from the carrier such as custom ringers or wallpaper. Another service associated with mobile computing  is cloud  computing , or the ability to use website services from  mobile  computers. Cloud computing  provides access to a network-like environment with various applications and virtually unlimited resources so that field representatives, for instance, can utilize website resources rather than being supplied with weighty, expensive machines packed with company software and data. Mobile computing also provides access to a company’s virtual private network (VPN) by tunneling through the Internet. It’s nearly impossible to estimate the value of increased business productivity afforded by mobile computing. Staying connected through mobile computing  has become completely integrated into the fabric of every day life. From email to Twitter, from Skype to socializing sites, from cloud computing  to VPNs, we could no longer do without  mobile computing  anymore than we could do without electricity.