Wireless networks are popping up everywhere these days - in businesses, cafes, at home, you name it! I came across a handy little freeware utility the other day that fits two useful purposes.

a) For road warriors looking for a wireless hotspot so they can make an internet connection from their laptops
b) For IT managers and home networkers who've got wireless internet access.

The Universal Binary software is called coconutWiFi, and it's for Mac OS X 10.3.9 and up, and is good for both PowerMacs and Intel Macs with wireless access. It puts a coloured bubble in the menu bar which indicates either no wireless access point, a secured access point, or an open (unsecured) access point. It also gives audible feedback when it detects an open (unsecured) access point.

This means that if you are in category b) above, you can determine if your wireless network is unsecured, and if so, go and lock it down before every man and his dog soaks up your bandwidth (or worse!). And of course, if you're in category a) it means you can get on and check your email and download iTunes whilst enjoying a nice cup of coffee!

Also check out coconutBattery - for comprehensive information on your Mac portable's battery!

Tags: Wireless, Freeware