Web Research Project

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Chapter 7

This activity contains 4 questions.

Web Project 1: Wireless Hotspots

Even if you are among the minority of people without Internet access in your home, you may still be able to surf the Internet from a public location, with the help of a wireless-enabled notebook computer. More and more localities and organizations are installing wireless networks, also known as wireless hotspots. You might find a wireless hotspot at your local coffee shop, the fast food restaurant down the street, or your neighborhood library. In some areas, towns and cities are working to make the entire community wireless accessible. But where do you find these spots?

Using the Internet, search for wireless hotspots in your area or another area of your choice (perhaps a vacation spot or out-of-state relative’s location). Choose at least two different hotspot directories for your search using the sites listed below or using another hotspot locator of your choice. Additionally, perform at least two different types of searches with each directory. For instance, you might search by zip code first and then perform a second search using your town’s name or your address. Create a table to compile your results and include the following information:

Name and URL of each hotspot locator site used
Search criteria used for each search
Top five locations from each search performed on each site (if less than five results are returned, include all results)
Identify the wireless provider(s) for each location, if indicated
Identify whether the hotspot is free or fee-based. List pricing if available.

Finally, write a brief paper summarizing your findings. If your results from each site or search were substantially different, explain why you believe different results were returned. Were you surprised by any of the results? Were you aware of any of these hotspots before you did the research? Are you aware of any hotspots that did not appear in your search results? Did the sites you use provide any advice regarding ways to surf safely and securely from a public hotspot? Discuss three things you can do to safeguard your privacy while using a hotspot.

Suggested Keywords:
Hotspot Locator, Wireless Access Locations, Hotspot Internet Access, Wi-Fi Hotspot

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 2: Wireless Network Standards

The current wireless network 802.11 standard was established by the IEEE. Current Wi-Fi standards include 802.11a, 802.11b, and 802.11g. The newest standard, 802.11n, is expected to be ratified in 2008.

Using the Internet, research the existing standards and determine the status of 802.11n. Has it been ratified? If so, when? If not, why not? What is the anticipated ratification timeline? Also, research the devices needed to set up a home network using each of these four standards. Be sure to investigate at least two different manufacturers. Write a brief paper about your findings and answer the following questions:

What is the difference between these four Wi-Fi standards?
What is the potential maximum data transfer rate for each standard and what types of security do they support?
Which networking device manufacturers did you investigate?
Will devices developed for one standard work for any of the other standards? If so, which ones?
Must each of the networking devices be from the same manufacturer, or will they work with other brands?
What equipment is available for the new 802.11n standard? Has this equipment been approved for this standard or is it considered pre-approval equipment

Suggested Keywords:
Wireless Networking Standards, 802.11 Devices, Ethernet Standards, 802.11 Standards, 802.11n Status

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 3: Comparing Virus Protection Software

As you learned in this chapter, all computers are vulnerable to malicious attacks. Knowing how to prevent an attack on your personal computer can save you valuable time and money, not to mention a large amount of frustration.

Use the Internet to research at least four different antivirus software packages. Try to find at least two that are free. Write a paper that compares and contrasts the features and functions of each package and include the price of the commercial packages. Be sure to answer the following questions in your paper. How user-friendly is each package? Does the commercial software include enough advanced features that it is worth buying when compared to the free software? How does each package allow you to obtain updates? How often are updates made available for each package? Do the commercial packages have a free, limited use version? If so, what features are disabled in the free version? End your paper by stating which package fits your needs and why.

Suggested Keywords:
Antivirus Software, Compare Antivirus Software, Free Antivirus Software, Virus Protection Software

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

Web Project 4: Social Engineering

We would all like to think that we’re fairly knowledgeable about computers and online security, but the truth is that many people fall victim to social engineering scams every day. The flim-flam artists and con men of yesteryear are still alive and well on the Internet—and they’re sending you e-mail!

One of the most prevalent forms of social engineering falls under the guise of phishing attempts. One day you check your e-mail to find a seemingly authentic message from your bank or an online auction site. The message may tell you that your account has been compromised or imply that you’ve reneged on a sale and owe someone money. But the problem is easy to resolve—just click the handy link to visit the site where you can provide your username, account information, and password. Surprise! You’ve just voluntarily given some of your most confidential information to a scam artist. That’s what social engineering is all about—tricking unsuspecting victims into freely handing over their information, thereby allowing the scammer to easily empty bank accounts, run up credit card debts, and commit identity theft.

Use the Internet to research the problems caused by social engineering. Write a brief paper that addresses the following:

What are the different kinds of social engineering schemes? Describe at least three different types.
How prevalent are social engineering schemes such as phishing? Are the rates of such attacks growing or diminishing?
List the necessary steps you should take to ensure you do not become a victim.
List several key organizations

Suggested Keywords:
Social Engineering, Phishing, Internet Fraud Statistics, Online Safety and Security

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type at the beginning of the paragraph, and at the end.

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