By the way, this book does make reference to a lot of Wi-Fi paraphernalia --
including hardware, software, and services that can make your over-the-road
lifestyle easier, better, or more fun (at least where computers or electronics
are concerned). But don't think you absolutely must have everything all at
once. I recognize that everyone's needs and desires are different; you might
need or want some items now, some later, and some never. I offer all these
marvels for your consideration -- and I do my best to provide enough infor-
mation so you can decide whether any product, program, or service deserves
a place in your Internet toolbox.
Foolish Assumptions
Ever since I was a kid -- after my dad first showed me how the word "assume"
breaks down -- I've been hesitant to make assumptions, believing them all to
be foolish. But I'm going out on a limb here; for the sake of writing a useful
book, I assume that
You're seriously considering the inclusion of a computer in the list of
equipment that accompanies you in your over-the-road travels.
Your computing experience ranges from "Yes, I'm aware that computers
do exist" to "I use a computer at home and in my business every day."
You want to make secure, wire-free connections to the Internet from vari-
ous locations on or near the highways and byways of our great country.
How This Book Is Organized
I first read John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath while in high school and,
since that time, I've wanted to write The Great American Novel. This isn't it,
but that's okay, because it isn't a novel (great or otherwise), and you don't
have to read it like one. If you like, you can start at the end or read the chap-
ters you find most interesting first. The whole book is a beginning, of sorts --
and, as such it doesn't really have an ending as long as your over-the-road
adventure goes on. (Whoa. Deep.) I did, however, organize the parts and
chapters in a way that builds logically, to a certain extent, from one subject
to another -- so if you're a beginner (or just new to Wi-Fi), you might want to
read the book one chapter after the other.
Additionally, even if you're relatively experienced, you might want to read
chapters containing information that you're familiar with. After all, in the words
of R. Buckminster Fuller, "You can never learn less; you can only learn more."
Over-the-Road Wireless For Dummies
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