wi-fi

These apps, selected by PC World’s editors, will help you find and connect to networks, set up a virtual private network, and even do some social networking via Wi-Fi.

Wireless Wizard
Display a great deal of information about your current wireless connection.

Plug and Browse
Easily move between wireless networks, and retain important settings.

Wi-Fi Guardian
Surf securely through Wi-Fi Hotspots […]

WeFi enables reliable connection to Wi-Fi wherever wireless networks are available. WeFi users can move between open Wi-Fi networks automatically, monitor friends’ online status and location, know the proximity of neighboring WeFi users who allow it, and chat with them.
WeFi hotspot directory will help you find a wireless network to connect to anywhere around […]

Hotspot Shield is freeware that ensures anonymous and censor-free Internet usage. With Hotspot Shield you can even access blocked Web sites.
For example: Skype is blocked in certain parts of the world. With Hotspot Shield, anyone can access Skype (and any other site they choose).
[3M] [Win2k/XP/Vista] [FREE]

Gnomie Gabe Somebody (if that is, indeed, his real name!) writes:
Hey Chris, I’ve got a top five list for you. I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent trying to fuss with my home networking to discover the solutions are usually simpler than they seem.

Totally go with wired or wireless — not both.

Don’t use […]