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iStumbler

What: Utility for finding wireless networks

By: Alf Watt

Cost: $1 donation requested

Download: www.istumbler.com

iStumbler is a free, open-source tool for finding AirPort or other 802.11 wireless networks, Bluetooth devices, and mDNS services used by Bonjour. It also provides GPS locations if you have a GPS device connected to your Mac mini.

While most useful to laptop users, who can use iStumbler to find Wi-Fi hot spots, Mac mini users can use the software to find the best place to locate their computer or wireless base station for highest signal strength. It can also be used to avoid interference from other base stations nearby.

The figure displays iStumbler's main window, showing my wireless network.

Why I like it: iStumbler is easy to use and provides a wealth of information about the networks your Mac mini can "see." Use the displayed signal strength to locate your Mac mini and AirPort base station.

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