ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Warchalking

Okay kiddo, imagine you have a secret clubhouse with your friends, and you all have a special mark that you draw outside the clubhouse to let other friends know that they're welcome to enter too. That's kind of like what warchalking is.

You see, some people have a special kind of computer called a "wireless device" that can connect to the internet without using any wires. This is kind of like magic! But sometimes it's hard to find a place where there's a wireless signal that you can connect to.

That's where warchalking comes in. Just like your secret clubhouse mark, people who are good with wireless devices can draw special symbols on the ground or on buildings to show other people where they can go to find a wireless signal. Different symbols mean different things, like if a symbol has a letter "W" in it, that means there's a wireless signal nearby. And if there's a symbol with a picture of a cup, that means there's a place nearby where you can get some tasty coffee!

But remember, kiddo, it's important to always be careful when using the internet, even if you're using a wireless signal. Always ask an adult you trust before going online, and never share any personal information with strangers. Stay safe out there!