Linux Unwired: A Complete Guide to Wireless Configuration

Roger Weeks · Edd Wilder-James · Brian Jepson

Apr 2004 · "O'Reilly Media, Inc."

About this ebook

In Linux Unwired, you'll learn the basics of wireless computing, from the reasons why you'd want to go wireless in the first place, to setting up your wireless network or accessing wireless data services on the road. The book provides a complete introduction to all the wireless technologies supported by Linux. You'll learn how to install and configure a variety of wireless technologies to fit different scenarios, including an office or home network and for use on the road. You'll also learn how to get Wi-Fi running on a laptop, how to use Linux to create your own access point, and how to deal with cellular networks, Bluetooth, and Infrared.

Other topics covered in the book include:

• Connecting to wireless hotspots
• Cellular data plans you can use with Linux
• Wireless security, including WPA and 802.1x
• Finding and mapping Wi-Fi networks with kismet and gpsd
• Connecting Linux to your Palm or Pocket PC
• Sending text messages and faxes from Linux through your cellular phone

Linux Unwired is a one-stop wireless information source for on-the-go Linux users. Whether you're considering Wi-Fi as a supplement or alternative to cable and DSL, using Bluetooth to network devices in your home or office, or want to use cellular data plans for access to data nearly everywhere, this book will show you the full-spectrum view of wireless capabilities of Linux, and how to take advantage of them.

About the author

Roger Weeks has been living and working with computers since 1982 when he got his first Atari, and discovered a whole new world with the purchase of a 300bps modem. He has designed, built and supported large and small server installations and networks from LAN to WAN to wireless. He was a part of the NoCat wireless group in Sebastopol, CA for several years and considers that one of the best experiences of his life. In the past several years he has focused on security, from wireless to service providers to storage. He is currently a Technical Marketing Engineer focused on Product Security at NetApp in Sunnyvale, CA. Roger is a coauthor of Linux Unwired and Wireless Hacks, 2nd Edition.

Edd Wilder-James is Managing Editor of XML.com. He is an enthusiastic software developer as well as a writer. Edd is also the chair of the XML Europe 2002 conference, and chaired the O'Reilly XTech 2001 conference on XML.

Brian Jepson is an O'Reilly editor, programmer, and co-author of Mac OS X Panther for Unix Geeks. He's also a volunteer system administrator and all-around geek for AS220, a non-profit arts center in Providence, Rhode Island. AS220 gives Rhode Island artists uncensored and unjuried forums for their work. These forums include galleries, performance space, and publications.