'Networks' - once these were the domain (sic) of large companies and hardly anyone outside of the IT industry had any idea what really went on with them. Then we got the internet which was "sort of like a big network that covers the whole world....or something........" another incredibly precise description from the bloke at the pub who "knew about these things".

Gradually with the meteoric rise of the internet and the coming of on-line gaming, the idea began to grow that 2 or more computers could be directly connected together very easily to allow people to compete against each other, and suddenly the veil of secrecy that surrounded the concept of networking began to lift.

Nowadays with more and more people running companies from home or small office units the network has become an essential requirement. Not only will it allow the sharing of files of any size (no longer limited by the capacity of a floppy disk or CD), but it enables work, projects and resources to be available to all members of the business at once. The advent of Broadband has also revolutionised networking in a way that could never have been possible even as little as 2 years ago, due to the fact it enables companies or even individual workers to access their files and company networks remotely using what is known as a VPN or Virtual Private Network; and with telecommunication companies constantly bringing out new 'gadgets' this will become easier as time goes on.

Remote access software can allow ANY permitted user to access the company files, while ensuring that no-one who shouldn't be allowed to access data is able to do. Someone who works from home can transfer files or access their folders from anywhere in the world if necessary - gone are the days of panicking because you forgot an important document for a meeting with a client: just dial in and get it !

Alternatively remote maintenance can be carried out on a network or even an individual computer without an engineer actually setting foot in the building, and with little or no disruption to the office; yet at a reduced rate due to the lack of travel expenses saving the company money.

Because of this, the whole way a business is run can change. The need for large office space and multiple computers is gone if employees can work from home, while at the same time having access to all the resources at the company's head office.

There is now another option as well which is changing the way mobile computing is viewed.

Both Sony Ericsson and Nokia have created a card which will plug into a laptop and allow completely wire-free connection to the Internet in much the same way as a mobile phone would. They also work in the same way as a mobile phone in that you have an account with a provider such as Orange or O2 and a package for mobile internet use.

They both use GPRS Connection - an "always on" Mobile Internet service that is typically 2 to 3 times faster than traditional GSM data. Effectively being online continuously, there is no delay due to dialling up to your service provider and GPRS technology means that you are only charged by the amount of data transferred, not how long you are online for. This type of connection is also being used for the increasingly popular SatNav systems used in vehicles all over the world.

With Wireless technology now expanding at an incredible rate, and with ‘Wireless Hotspots' (that enable users to pay for any amount of time required to tap in to an available Broadband network specifically set up for that purpose) becoming more widespread throughout the country, it should be a very interesting time ahead for all of us who are interested in the way technology is changing our lives. We are now installing hotspots in hotels and holiday parks across Cornwall that support everything form online gaming to streaming video.

Who knows, maybe one day the whole world will be one giant ‘hotspot' where you can log onto the internet using the computer in your mobile phone anywhere you want – even sitting on a beach somewhere exotic ..with a drink in your hand……which I think is where I'm off to now.

Oh well I can dream !

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