How to Turn Your Computer into a Wifi Router and Why You Might Want To

There's a handy, free program that every Windows 7 user can --and probably should get-- called Connectify. What is Connectify and what can it do for you? In short, Connectify turns your computer into a wireless router and hotspot. This can be very, very handy in numerous situations. I've used Connectify in hotels and it shines here. Many hotels require that you pay for each user, but with Connectify you can connect multiple computers to the same hotel wired Internet connection.

As with a regular router, your Connectify hotspot can be encrypted. Unlike a regular router, you don't have to deal with arcane settings; everything you need to do to get Connectify to work is done through the program's easy-to-comprehend software.

You can also use Connectify to extend the range of your home, apartment or office wireless network.

Once you've created a Connectify hotspot you can connect any wifi device, including iPads and other tablet computers.

You can also purchase a portable wireless router, but if you're already taking your Windows 7 laptop, then Connectify might be the perfect software to have installed.

Handy Tip for Traveling With Your iPad or other Wirless Device

What do you do to with your iPad if you get to a hotel that has Internet, but the wired variety? How do you connect your iPad to the Internet without an Ethernet port?

The solution is to use a portable router. Portable routers work just like your home router, only they're much smaller.  Two very good ones are the D-Link AirPlus and the TRENDnet Travel Router. Without a router, your dream of being able to stay connected while at a hotel might become a nightmare. With a portable router (sometimes called "pocket router"), you'll stay connected, regardless of whether  the hotel you're staying at has a wifi or wired connection.

Traveling with a pocket router two additional benefits: You can connect multiple computers to the router, so your family doesn't fight over Internet connection time; it's a good idea to have one, even if you're traveling with a regular laptop or netbook. A portable router can also let you pay just one connection fee for everyone. (Don't get me started on hotels that charge for wifi. These days, not having free wifi is like charging guests for water.)

Before your next trip, pick up a portable router.

More Free WiFi in DC

FedEx has started to roll out free wifi at their office centers. You can add FedEx to the growing list of places in the Washington, DC area that have free wifi, including the National Mall, Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, and numerous restaurants and cafes. Looking for more wifi hotspots?  Try Hotspotr. If you have a smartphone with wifi, you can get an wifi detecting app, and if you don't have a smartphone, a wifi detector key chain can be handy.

Tech Column: Where to Find Free Wifi in DC

There are lots of free wifi locations in the District of Columbia, including DC's public libraries and most recently the National Mall.  For a map of DC's free wifi hot spots, dubbed DC Wifi, visit the DC Government's website.

DC's hot spots aren't the only free wifi game in town. Numerous coffee shops (including all Starbucks), restaurants, bookstores and other places have free wifi. There are several directories that list free wifi locations in DC and elsewhere, including JiWire (which also lists paid locations), Wi-FiHotSpotList, and OpenWiFiSpots.