Understanding WiFi Networks

What Is Wifi?

• Wireless networking technology enables devices to connect to the internet.
• Devices communicate through radio waves within a limited area (WLAN).

Benefits of Wifi

• Eliminates the need for costly wiring.
• Faster and cheaper to set up compared to wired networks.

How Wifi Works

• Data transforms into a radio signal and transmits/receives through an antenna.
• A Wi-Fi network device receives the signal, decodes it, and sends the information to the Internet using a broadband connection.

Wifi vs. Cellular Signals

• Wi-Fi is a networking technology connecting devices to the internet.
• Wi-Fi signals connect to a router within a specific range with no limit on data transfer.
• Cellular signals use cell sites for mobile communication over a wide area.
• Cellular signals may be dependent on a data plan and can be slower than Wi-Fi.

Factors Affecting Wi-Fi Connection

Location

• Place the router in a central, high, and visible location.
• Position the antenna properly.
• Keep the router away from electrical equipment.

Obstruction

• Concrete, bricks, and metal impede radio waves.

Interference

• Channel: Frequencies assigned to accommodate wireless users.

Three Main Types of Interference

• Co-Channel: Too many devices on the same channel in the same area.
• Adjacent Channel: Multiple networks using overlapping channels. Select the proper Wi-Fi channel to solve.
• Non-Wi-Fi: Other electronic devices operating at high frequencies cause interruptions.

Device Considerations

• Check device specifications, Wi-Fi compatibility, wireless LAN adapter, and web browsers.

Internet Related

Wi-Fi Frequencies

• 2.4 GHz: Slower speeds but longer range.
• 5 GHz: Faster speeds but shorter range.

Bandwidth

• Volume of data that can be sent over a connection in a measured time (MBPS).
• Higher Mbps means faster internet tasks.

Reasons for Network Congestion

• Downloading large files.
• Streaming high-definition video.
• Too many connected devices.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi

• Isolate the Wi-Fi connection.
• Stay close to the modem.
• Ensure the modem is visible.

What is a Computer?

• An electronic machine that can process, store, and retrieve data.
• It consists of software and hardware.

What is Software?

• Intangible components: instructions, applications, and stored data.

What is Hardware?

• Physical parts: monitor and CPU.

Types of Personal Computers

• Laptop.
• Tablet.
• Smartphone.
• Desktop Computers.

Types of Operating Systems

• Windows (Microsoft): Runs on various PCs and laptops.
• MacOS (Apple): Works on Apple Macintosh computers.
• iOS (Apple): Works on Apple mobile devices.
• Android OS (Google): Primarily on touchscreen mobile devices.
• Google Chrome OS (Google): Works on Chromebook devices.

Practices to Protect Against Phishing

• Be cautious of suspicious messages and avoid sharing personal information.
• Verify website security ("https" in URL) and ensure correct webpage.
• Keep software updated for the latest security patches.
• Install verified anti-malware software.

Tips for Communicating Safely Online

• Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols in passwords.
• Create unique and strong passwords for different accounts.

Promoting Digital Civility Online

• Live by the Golden Rule.
• Avoid negative messages.
• Respect differences in opinion, experience, and culture.
• Pause before replying to consider the consequences.
• Think before sharing online.
• Stand up for yourself and others, and report unsafe situations.

Basic Functions of Microsoft Word

• Document Creation: Start with a blank document or use templates.
• Text Editing: Write, format, check spelling and grammar.
• Object Insertion: Add shapes, charts, pictures, and tables.
• Saving and Printing: Save to computer/OneDrive and print as needed.
• Collaboration: Share for co-authoring with comments and chat.

Extras: Microsoft Word

• A red, squiggly line indicates misspelled words.
• Microsoft Word files are usually named with the extension ".docx" or ".doc".

Steps to Draw Shapes in Microsoft Word

• Select "Insert > Shapes."
• Choose the shape and click and drag to draw.
• Resize by dragging control handles.
• Rotate using the rotation handle.
• Modify specific parts using yellow control handles.
• Add text by selecting the shape and typing.

Steps to Format Shapes in Microsoft Word

• Select the shapes (hold Shift to select multiple).
• Use the Drawing Tools tab for formatting options.
• Choose "Shape Fill" for colors, gradients, textures, or pictures.
• Select "Shape Outline" to customize the border.
• Use "Shape Effects" for shadows, reflections, or glow.
• Apply a shape style for a polished look.

Steps to Add WordArt in Microsoft Office

• Select "Insert > WordArt" and choose a style.
• Enter or select text to convert to WordArt.
• Customize text fill and outline.
• Apply special effects like shadow, reflection, glow, bevel, or 3D rotation.

Steps to Save a Document as a PDF File

• Select File > Save As.
• Select a folder on the computer or OneDrive.
• Choose PDF (*.pdf) in the Save As text box.
• Select Save.

Steps to Use Font Settings in Microsoft Word

• Open Microsoft Word.
• Highlight the text to format.
• Go to the Home tab and find the Font Group.
• Change Font Type: Click the dropdown arrow in the Font box.
• Change Font Size: Click the dropdown arrow in the Font Size box.
• Apply Font Style: Use B (Bold), I (Italic), U (Underline) icons.
• Change Font Color: Click the Font Color icon.
• More Text Effects and Typography: Shadow, Outline, or Strikethrough.
• Text Highlighting: Apply background color to the text.

Steps to Use Page Setups in Microsoft Word

Page Size

• Determines document dimensions (e.g., Letter, Legal).
• Steps: Layout tab > Size > Choose size or More Paper Sizes for custom.

Page Margins

• Blank spaces around page edges.
• Steps: Layout tab > Margins > Choose preset or Custom Margins.

Page Orientation

• Defines document layout: Portrait (Vertical) or Landscape (Horizontal).
• Steps: Layout tab > Orientation > Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Page Background

• Add color, images, or watermarks.
• Steps: Design tab > Page Color or Watermark.

Steps to Use Page Border, Page Number, Header, and Footer in Microsoft Word

Page Border

• Adds decorative lines around document edges.
• Steps: Design tab > Page Borders > Choose border type, style, color, and width.

Page Number

• Helps organize long documents.
• Steps: Insert tab > Page Number > Choose position and style, customize format. Remove from the same menu.

Header

• Appears at the top of each page.
• Steps: Insert tab > Header > Choose a style, type text, use Header & Footer Tools.

Footer

• Appears at the bottom of each page.
• Steps: Insert tab > Footer > Choose a style, type text, use Header & Footer Tools.