Free WiFi Hotspot Software For Windows

Internet has become somewhat an inseparable factor of daily life, ensuring internet connection in all devices we have is a tiresome task, especially when it comes to countries like India where both mobile internet and public WiFi services are yet to find their base. In this kind of situations, however, sharing internet connection by means of WiFi hotspot feature makes enough sense, as most devices including your Smartphones and computers do have WiFi in built. Although Android Smartphones offer a more direct way to switch on hotspot and share your own internet connection to multiple devices, there is no such option in Windows-based computers, making the feature a bit ‘hard’ for basic users.

In this post, we have come up with list of top 5 WiFi hotspot software for Windows PCs. Using these software, you will be able to create a WiFi hotspot in a few clicks, rather than digging into networks section of your PC. So, we should move on, right?

1. My WIFI Router (Free)

My WIFI Router is a free software to create a WiFi hotspot in your Windows PC. The tool supports Windows XP, 7 and 8 as well as both 32 and 64 bit architectures. Rather than creating a mere WiFi hotspot, My WIFI Router offers a big number of features, and some of them are:

• Easier management of connected devices and you can limit speed, blacklist or change nicknames of devices. So, if you want to restrict some devices from stealing your browser speed, you can do that using the section for client management.
• Ability to share your videos using WiFi so that you can access them right from your Smartphone browser. If you have switched on the ‘Share Video’ option, you will be given an IP address; you can enter the IP address to browse and play videos that are stored in a particular file folder in your PC.

Considering these features, My WIFI Router is a productive tool, indeed. Moreover, my WIFI Router has a UI that has minimal elements arranged in an easily understandable way.

2. MaryFi (Free)

MaryFi is, as the developer says, a software-based WiFi router that helps you create a WiFi hotspot and thus share the internet connection you have in your Windows PC. MaryFi is completely free to use and does support Windows 7 PCs. MaryFi has a minimal user interface and kept the same minimalistic approach in terms of features as well. So, if you just need a Wi-Fi hotspot creator, you should try MaryFi.

However, despite being simple in terms of use, MaryFi can be used as a WiFi repeater — you can use the tool to receive signals from one WiFi modem and re-propagate those signals using WiFi feature of your PC. On the other hand, if you switch on MaryFi when you do not have one internet connection with you, it will let you access shared folders of your PC from other devices as well as being part of multiplayer, LAN-based games.

And the best part is that, in spite of being free to use, MaryFi will not put some ads to disappoint your user experience.

3. MyPublicWiFi (Free)

Here comes another easy-to-use, simple-in-terms-of-feature tool to create WiFi hotspots — MyPublicWiFi. The tool is a freeware and supports Windows 7, 8 and Windows Server 2008. Since it supports both 32 and 64 bit architecture processors, MyPublicWiFi will work smoothly on Windows based devices.

• Ability to know which devices are connected to your WiFi hotspot! So, even when you have created an open network, you will know who else are there.

• URL Logging helps you have a list of websites that have been accessed during the hotspot session. If you think someone is accessing the hotspot to access some ‘undesired’ website, you will be able to get details on those sessions using the feature.

• You can use the tool as a WiFi repeater in order to extend signal of your home WiFi or other situations. If you want to extend the range of your WiFi modem, you can do it in a few seconds.

• You can use the tool as a WiFi repeater in order to extend signal of your home WiFi or other situations. If you want to extend the range of your WiFi modem, you can do it in a few seconds.

4. mHotspot (Free)

• The tool, mHotspot, is something as far as you are concerned about turning your Windows-based to a WiFi hotspot and thus a source of internet. Using this easy-to-use free software, you can create a hotspot by choosing a name for hotspot, password, source of internet and number of maximum clients. mHotspot works with both Windows 7 & 8.
  • Hotspot can have up to ten clients. However, you have the option to put a restriction on number of devices that can be connected to your hotspot.
  • Ability to know details about connected Wi-Fi clients and their resource consumption
  • When compared to other WiFi hotspot creation tools out there, mHotspot has a really small size (of around 400KB) and downloading it will not be a problem even when you have a small internet connection.
  mHotspot is indeed a great choice when you need to create a feature-rich Wi-Fi hotspot without spending that much time! In addition, we loved its feature to select the source of internet before creating the hotspot.

5. Connectify (Paid)

Unlike the aforementioned hotspot creation tools, Connectify is a paid software to create WiFi hotspot, despite the fact that a free version with less features are available.

For instance, if you are going for Pro, you can remove hotspot shut-off timer and share internet from both 3G and 4G devices. So, if you are going with the basic plan, you’ll be able to share your wired internet connection. Plus, Connectify works fine with both Windows 7 and 8 PCs. When we do compare Connectify with other tools out there, however, the inability to share internet connection from a 3G or 4G device is obviously a disadvantage.  So, the rest of the software can be termed as good alternatives to Connectify because they are free and offer more features as well.

The Manual Way (Creating WiFi Hotspot without installing any software)

So, now, you have a list of top best WiFi hotspot software for Windows and these apps will let you do the job in a single click. Yet, if you are not in a situation to download these tools and create a hotspot, there is a manual method using Windows Command Prompt.

• First, you have to open command prompt with administrative privileges. To do that, right click on Command Prompt icon and select Run as Administrator.

• Now, we have to check whether your PC does support WiFi hotspot creation. To do so, give the following command in command prompt.

netsh wlan show drivers

• Input of the command will show you results that are given in following image. From that, check if Hosted Network is supported. If it’s a Yes, we can move on; otherwise, you cannot create a WiFi hotspot using the method.

• If your WiFi network card supports Hosted Networks, you can create hotspot by giving a command. In the following command, you have to change ssid value to the desired hotspot name whereas key to your desired password.

netsh wlan set hostednetwork mode=allow ssid=Hotspotname key=password

• If it has been successful, you can see a message that hosted network mode has been set to allow and username and passphrase have been changed successfully. Now, you have successfully created your Wi-Fi hotspot but you have to switch it on first.

• To do that, give the following command to CMD:

netsh wlan start hostednetwork

• Similarly, when you want to turn off the hotspot, enter the following command in CMD:

netsh wlan stop hostednetwork

• On the other hand, if you want to know the details about the Wi-Fi hotspot you have created, you can give this command:

netsh wlan show hostednetwork

Success! You have created a WiFi hotspot in your Windows-powered PC using Command Prompt! Now, if you want to share the internet connection, you have to go to Network and Sharing center and enable ‘Internet Connection Sharing to that particular network — simple as that.

To Conclude

Talking of the tools, we loved My WIFI Router very much, as it helps us create hotspot in seconds as well as to share videos over WiFi, which is a great mater of productivity. Nevertheless, we would like to know which WiFi Hotspot creation tool you are using. That having said, if you are not able to download any of these tools to create a hotspot, we hope the manual method, using Windows Command Prompt will surely help you, as each and every Windows-based PC comes with CMD.

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Bluetooth 5: everything you need to know

The next-gen Bluetooth standard version dubbed Bluetooth 5 is on its way with some significant improvements. Bluetooth Special Interest Group executive director Mark Powell has now revealed that the new version will be formally announced on 16 June, and also spoke about some features.

It will be a significant upgrade over the current version with double the range and four times the speed. Bluetooth 5 will also bring in new functionality for connectionless services such as location-relevant information and navigation. “By adding significantly more capacity to advertising transmissions, Bluetooth 5 will further propel the adoption and deployment of beacons and location-based services to users around the world,” he writes.

Talking about the name Bluetooth 5, he said it will simplify marketing and advertising. “Veterans of the SIG will note that with this name we have dropped reference to both the version and point number in our marketing messaging. Our new naming approach is focused on simplifying our marketing, communicating user benefits more effectively and making it easier to signal significant technology updates to the market,” he further writes.

The event will he held in London this coming week.

Apple Watch OS 3 release date, news and rumors Slick, customizable and iPhone-free
‘s 5 things you need to know about the new technology.
The IoT buzz isn’t going away and nor is Bluetooth – version 5 of the standard will include various under-the-hood tweaks and optimisations to provide better performance and draw less power when installed in smart home kit dotted around the home.
We’ll have to wait until the launch event to get the full rundown on what Bluetooth 5 can do, but some details of the new wireless transmission standard have already leaked out.
Bluetooth 5 is going to add extra navigational features so the technology can be more easily used in indoor beacons and similar location-aware devices – basically enabling you to use Bluetooth technology to find your way around a shopping centre, for example.

Here's 5 things you need to know about the new technology.

1. It's going to be faster

No surprises here, Bluetooth 5 will be twice as fast as Bluetooth 4.2 LE, say its developers - that means a maximum throughput of 2Mbps by our quick maths. You're not likely to get up to those speeds out in the real world but it should still be a significant speed jump.

2. It's going to work from further away

The other major improvement is a quadrupling of the range from earlier versions, so theoretically you could be 1000+ feet (300+ metres) or so away from your Bluetooth speaker and still beam a song to it. The exact distance limits depend on the hardware you're using.

3. It will be more 'location aware'

Bluetooth 5 is going to add extra navigational features so the technology can be more easily used in indoor beacons and similar location-aware devices - basically enabling you to use Bluetooth technology to find your way around a shopping centre, for example.

4. It's ready for the Internet of Things

The IoT buzz isn't going away and nor is Bluetooth - version 5 of the standard will include various under-the-hood tweaks and optimisations to provide better performance and draw less power when installed in smart home kit dotted around the home.

5. You might need new devices

Unlike some Bluetooth upgrades, this one might require new chips (although old kit will work with Bluetooth 5, you won't get the extra performance and features). Get ready for theflagship phones of 2017 to all come with Bluetooth 5 installed inside.

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What to Expect at WWDC 2016 ?

Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference kicks off on Monday, June 13 with a keynote event at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, where Apple is expected to show off the latest versions of its iOS, OS X, tvOS, and watchOS operating systems and perhaps debut new features for services like Apple Pay and iCloud. 

Ahead of the conference, we've compiled all of the rumors that we've heard about features that could potentially debut at the event to give MacRumors readers an idea of what to expect. 

iOS 10

Apple's operating system for iPhones and iPads has gone largely without design changes since iOS 7, so it's reasonable to assume iOS 10 may feature some design tweaks to update the look of the OS. A dark mode is one possibility that's been circulating based on the look of Apple's WWDC app and site, but there's no evidence suggesting such a feature will be implemented. 
Image via iHelpBR
Information on iOS 10 is limited, but we've heard some tantalizing details about the update. Apple is expected to introduce a Siri SDK, allowing Siri to interact with third-party apps in new ways. Developers will be able to build Siri integration into their apps, allowing Siri to access data and perform tasks within apps. Third-party app access has the potential to greatly expand what Siri is capable of and could put the personal assistant on par with more robust solutions like Google Now. 

In 2015, rumors indicated Apple was working on an "iCloud Voicemail" service able to allow Siri to answer missed calls and record and transcribe messages for users to read as text at a later time. The service, which could come in iOS 10, is also said to be capable of relaying location information and delivering details on why a user can't answer a phone call. 

Siri may also be improved with new capabilities Apple has made through acquisitions like VocalIQ. VocalIQ is able to retain the semantic context between conversations and recall user preferences. Apple has made other AI-related purchases over the past year that could have been purchased to improve Siri. Perceptio, for example, is a startup designed to allow for the creation of advanced artificial intelligence systems while limiting the amount of data stored in the cloud, functionality that could allow Apple to bridge the gap between its desire to introduce deeper Siri functionality with its unwavering focus on privacy. 

iOS 10 is rumored to include a redesigned Music app featuring a more intuitive user interface for Apple Music. It's said to use a "bolder, yet simpler" design that emphasizes black and white backgrounds and text to put more focus on album art. 

Apple is planning to replace the "New" tab in Apple Music with a "Browse" option that includes better organizational tools for discovering new content, and it will also feature a simplified "For You" section. Connect and Beats 1 will remain unchanged, but Apple mayremove the Connect tab from the Apple Music interface. 

New 3D Touch shortcut previews will be added, sharing features will be emphasized, and there will be more of a focus on song lyrics, making them easier to access within the app. 

With the upcoming iPhone 7 Plus expected to gain a dual-lens camera, Apple is building Photos improvements into iOS 10. Apple is expected to reintroduce some abilities that were initially found in iPhoto before it was discontinued and while we don't know specifics, iPhoto previously had features like EXIF editing and touch-based brushes for adjusting brightness and other parameters on only specific parts of a photo. 

A Skitch-like photo editing feature allowing users to draw on and mark up images could also be in the works, mirroring features that are available in the Mail app for marking up PDFs and photos. 

Metadata keys added to App Store apps in April suggests Apple is potentially working on a much-desired feature to allow users to hide or delete unwanted stock apps. If such a feature is in the works, it could be included in iOS 10. 

OS X 10.12

OS X didn't get a major update in 2015, but 2016 may more than make up for it. OS X 10.12 is expected to bring Siri to the Mac for the first time, allowing the personal assistant to be used on Mac devices like it's used on iOS devices. 

Siri will be enabled through an icon in the OS X menu bar, the dock, a user-specified keyboard shortcut, or through a hands-free "Hey Siri" command. In May, we shared animage of the full Siri dock icon, featuring a colorful Siri waveform. 

Siri functionality on the Mac is likely to mirror much of the functionality on iOS, with Siri able to conduct searches, open apps, tweak system settings, answer simple queries, play music from iTunes, and more. Siri may also be able to interface with third-party Mac apps through the rumored Siri SDK. 

Another key feature of OS X 10.12 may be expanded Continuity features. Apple isworking on an auto unlock function that would allow an iPhone to unlock a Mac when in close proximity, alleviating the need to enter a password on a password-protected machine in OS X 10.12. 

The feature, which uses Bluetooth LE frameworks, will presumably work similarly to the automatic unlocking feature on the Apple Watch, which allows an unlocked iPhone to bypass the passcode restriction on a connected Apple Watch. In this scenario, an iPhonesTouch ID button would be used as a verification method for simpler logins. 

The unlocking function could also potentially be tied to the rumor suggesting Apple Pay integration is coming to web browsers. Users could make purchases online using Safari, confirming the Apple Pay payment through an iPhone's Touch ID when linked to a Mac. 

Features rumored for iOS 10, such as Photos improvements and Apple Music tweaks, are also expected to be included in OS X 10.12. An updated version of iTunes that includes a redesigned Apple Music experience with a simpler, more intuitive interface is a possibility, and as for Photos, it could gain some features that were removed during the transition from iPhoto to Photos. 

Beyond rumored features, there has been some speculation that Apple could rename OS X to MacOS to better match with iOS, watchOS, and tvOS, but whether or not Apple will actually introduce a change to its long-running Mac naming scheme remains to be seen. 

Check out our full OS X 10.12 roundup for more info. 

tvOS 2 and watchOS 3

Apple has said new versions of tvOS and watchOS 3 will be introduced at WWDC, but we have not heard any details on what new versions of these operating systems might include. 

Drawing from what we expect for iOS 10 and OS X 10.12, the two operating systems could feature Siri improvements and design tweaks to match any design changes coming to iOS 10, but beyond that, we don't have any insight into what to expect. 

We do know that as of June 1, Apple is requiring new Apple Watch apps submitted to the App Store to be native apps, suggesting Apple has plans for deeper native app capabilities. At the very least, a push towards native apps is encouraging because it will result in Apple Watch apps that are able to open more quickly and work more smoothly in watchOS 3. 

Services

Apple Pay: Apple has several new Apple Pay features in the works that would be ideal to debut at the event. Apple is planning to bring Apple Pay to web browsers, allowing Apple Pay users to make Apple Pay purchases in online stores directly through Safari, and rumors suggest the feature will debut at WWDC. 

As with standard transactions, payments would be approved on the iPhone through Touch ID. Using the expanded Continuity features allowing an iPhone to connect to a Mac, Apple Pay payments on Mac notebooks and desktop machines may also be verified through Touch ID. 

Apple is also working on a person-to-person update for Apple Pay, allowing users to send money to one another much like Square Cash or Venmo. It is not exactly clear how such a feature would work, but there have been "whispers" suggesting Apple may let customers send money to one another through iMessages. 

iCloud: 
Following its conflict with the FBI, Apple is likely to introduce new security features in iOS 10 and OS X 10.12. One possibility is encrypted iCloud backups, something Apple has been hesitant to implement in the past because it makes the restoring process more difficult. 

Rumors have suggested Apple is working on implementing stronger security measures"even it can't hack" to protect iOS devices. These improvements are likely to be introduced through a mix of hardware and software improvements, and it's quite possible we'll see the first of Apple's security enhancements in iOS 10. 

iMessage: 
One rumor says Apple is planning to announce iMessage for Android at the event, giving Android users access to one of the iPhone's best features. It's not clear how accurate this information is as it comes from a source without a reliable track record. 

App Store: Ahead of WWDC, Apple announced some major changes to the App Store, which we may hear more about at the event itself. Apple opened up app subscriptions to encompass all product categories and introduced a new subscription revenue split. After a customer maintains an in-app subscription for one year, developers will receive 85 percent of profits instead of 70 percent.

Apple is also adding ads to App Store search results for the first time, and going forward, the App Store's "Featured" section will not display apps that are already installed. Apple is planning to bring back the Categories tab, and a Share sheet option is being added as a 3D Touch Quick action for all apps to make sharing easier. Search will also be improved. 

Hardware

Ahead of WWDC there were rumors and speculation suggesting Apple could introduce products like an updated MacBook Pro or a new Thunderbolt Display, but it's likely neither of these products are going to be ready for a June debut, instead coming later in 2016. 
Leading up to WWDC, multiple Apple insiders have said the event will focus on software instead of hardware, and so we are not expecting hardware updates at the event. There's a possibility Apple could surprise us with an announcement, but if there are plans for a hardware product debut, those plans have been kept under wraps. 

Though we're not expecting any Mac announcements at WWDC, one questionable rumorfrom Japanese site Mac Otakara suggests Apple is planning to introduce both newMacBook Air and new MacBook Pro models in the month of June, shipping the notebooks in August. 

This is somewhat unlikely as Apple just bumped the RAM in the 13-inch MacBook Air up to 8GB in April. Previous rumors also indicate Apple may not be planning to introduce further MacBook Air updates, ending development on the machine in favor of the MacBook. As for the MacBook Pro, past information has said it will ship in 4Q 2016, conflicting with Mac Otakara's rumor of a June debut. 

Streaming Details and Release Date

Apple is will offer a live stream of the keynote event through its website and through a dedicated events app on the Apple TV. MacRumors will also provide live coverage, on MacRumors.com and on the MacRumorsLive Twitter account. 

Following the conclusion of the keynote, Apple will likely provide iOS 10, OS X 10.12, watchOS 3, and tvOS 2 to developers, giving them time to adapt their apps to take advantage of new features. The operating systems are likely to be released to the public in the fall alongside new hardware.

More at http://www.macrumors.com/2016/06/10/what-to-expect-at-wwdc-2016/

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Punjabi Typing Test For Clerk SSSB

Punjabi Typing test is a skill test of a candidate to check there typing speed and accuracy as well, in Punjabi typing test commonly we use Asses font. In this Online Punjabi Typing test we are using font that are use in government examination and formula we use here also used in calculation of typing speed. We are here provide typing speed in word per minute, accuracy, backspace you typed during typing and errors you made during typing will be highlighted in red color. Punjabi Typing Test is complete DNA of your typing skills. Along with checking your Punjabi typing speed also get  

Instructions

1. Punjabi Typing Test will start after clicking on start button.
2. Select time you want to take test.
3. Type exactly what is in question text.
4. If you get more than 30 WPM and 80% accuracy than you will consider pass in typing test.

Website for Practice:

http://punjabi.indiatyping.com/index.php/punjabi-typing-test  

http://www.punjabexamportal.com/2016/03/07/punjabi-tutor_exercise/

http://typing.khilare.com/mocktest

 

Rules & Regulations of SSSB Job for Typing Test

All Candidates who apply for Punjab SSSB Recruitment will be selected on the basis of Typing Test with following rules & regulations. All Applying Candidate should have to follow these rules. So read carefully all these given steps. - See more at: http://earnmoneyjobs.com/rules-regulations-of-sssb-job-for-typing-test.html#sthash.lhqV9oED.dpuf

A Paragraph of 300 words (Punjabi Language) is given to all candidates. They must have to possess Typing Speed minimum 30 w.p.m.
10 Minutes is given to type this paragraph of 300 words.
Candidates are categorized acc. to their Typing Speed. Having 30-40  w.p.m (Category – A), 40-50  w.p.m (Category – B), above 50 w.p.m (Category – O).
8% mistakes in typing will forgotten. Who done more than 8% mistakes would be failed.
Any correction or rewriting on paper with pen or pencil is taken as mistake.
Full Stop  (.) or Question mark (?) will treated as full word. So any mistakes with these sign be also treated as 1 mistake. But mistake of comma (,) is forgotten.
Any wrong word or spelling mistake or skipping any word be treated as 1 mistake.
Extra space between words be treated as mistake. but Joining of two words is take as half 1/2 mistake.
Only words will count instead of strokes.
Candidate have option to give this test on Computer or Type Writer.
Candidate who want to give this test on computer, They have to type with ‘Asees or Joy’ font on English keyboard.
Important : In Case of any disturbance or fault in machine (during typing test), No 2nd typing chance will given to candidate.

GOOD LUCK YOU ALL AND ME

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Copa América 2016: Here’s What You Need to Know

The Copa América Centenario (English: Centennial Copa America) is a scheduled international men's association football (soccer) tournament due to be held in the United States in 2016. The competition is a celebration of the centenary of CONMEBOL and the Copa América, and is to be the first Copa América hosted outside of South America.^[3]

The tournament will be the 45th edition of Copa América since its inception in 1916. It will be held as part of an agreement between CONMEBOL (the South American football confederation) and CONCACAF (the football confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean) as a special edition between the usual four-year cycle, and will feature an expanded field of 16 teams (an increase from the usual 12), with all ten teams from CONMEBOL and six teams from CONCACAF. 

The first recorded football match in South America was played in Argentina in 1867 by British railway workers. The first football team in South America, Gimnasia y Esgrima de La Plata was created in Argentina in 1887, and the Argentine Football Association was founded in 1893. By the early 20th century, football was growing in popularity, and the first international competition held between national teams of the continent occurred in 1910 when Argentina organized an event to commemorate the centenary of the May Revolution. Chile and Uruguay participated, but this event is not considered official by CONMEBOL. Similarly, for the centennial celebration of its independence, Argentina held a tournament between July 2 and July 17 of 1916 with Argentina, Chile, Uruguay and Brazil being the first participants of the tournament.

This so-called Campeonato Sudamericano de Football would be the first edition of what is currently known as Copa América; Uruguay would triumph in this first edition after tying 0–0 with hosts Argentina in the deciding, last match held in Estadio Racing Club in Avellaneda.

Seeing the success of the tournament, a boardmember of the Uruguayan Football Association, Héctor Rivadavia, proposed the establishment of a confederation of the associations of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay, and on July 9, independence day in Argentina, CONMEBOL was founded. The following year, the competition was played again, this time in Uruguay. Uruguay would win the title again to win their bicampeonato after defeating Argentina 1–0 in the last match of the tournament.

The success of the tournament on Charrúan soil would help consolidate the tournament. After a flu outbreak in Rio de Janeiro canceled the tournament in 1918, Brazil hosted the tournament in 1919 and was crowned champion for the first time after defeating the defending champions 1–0 in a playoff match to decide the title, while the Chilean city of Viña del Mar would host the 1920 event which was won by Uruguay.

For the 1921 event, Paraguay participated for the first time after its football association affiliated to CONMEBOL earlier that same year. Argentina won the competition for the first time thanks to the goals of Julio Libonatti. In subsequent years, Uruguay would dominate the tournament, which at that time was the largest football tournament in the world. 

Argentina, however, would not be far behind and disputed the supremacy with the Charruas. After losing the 1928 final at the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam, Argentina would gain revenge in the 1929 South American Championship by defeating the Uruguayans in the last, decisive match. During this period, both Bolivia and Peru debuted in the tournament in 1926 and 1927, respectively.

 

What is the Copa America?

The Copa America is a international soccer tournament that features 16 soccer nations competing for the trophy starting on June 3 and going on till June 26. It’s the first time the USA has featured in the competition after it was expanded by FIFA. That means we get more soccer!

Who are the favorites? 

The teams that have always had pedigree in the competition over the years have been Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. In fact, the latter has won the Copa America a record 15 times, with Argentina winning 14 titles. Shockingly, despite amassing more World Cup wins than their rivals, Brazil has only mustered 8 wins since the tournament began all the way back in 1916.

The Copa América Centenario, kicks off Friday night when the United States faces Colombia in Santa Clara, Calif. The 16-team event is being played outside South America for the first time as a celebration of its 100th anniversary, and while a handful of top players have been left out or ruled out by injury, there is plenty left in the cupboard, including four of the eight quarterfinalists from the last World Cup. Here’s what you need to know before the tournament begins.

Who’s in the field?

The Copa América is South America’s continental championship, and as it celebrates its centenary, it is the oldest international soccer tournament in the world. As the continental championship, it always includes the 10 members of the South American confederation, Conmebol: traditional soccer powers like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile and the (relatively) less-accomplished sides Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela. But since 1993, the event has also invited guest teams from outside South America: Mexico (nine appearances) has finished second twice, and the United States (three appearances) was fourth in 1995.

This year’s event has 16 teams. In addition to the 10 countries from South America, the guests are the United States and Mexico, as well as four nations that earned their spots through regional qualifying: Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama and Haiti.

How do I watch?

Fox Sports will televise every game live in the United States on its family of networks (Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2 and FX). Prefer your broadcasts in Spanish? Univision and UniMas will have every game as well. But remember that meaty pregame shows have become the norm, so if you just want straight soccer, make sure you pay attention to the kickoff time, not just the broadcast time.

How does it work?

The tournament is made up of four groups of four teams. Everyone plays three group-stage games, and the top two teams in each group advance to the quarterfinals, where the Copa becomes a straight knockout tournament. Friday’s kickoff match — the United States vs. Colombia — is the only game on the first day. Brazil opens Saturday (against Ecuador), and then Mexico-Uruguay (Sunday) and Argentina-Chile (Monday) should spice things up nicely. The final is June 26 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

How is the Centenario different from Copa America?

The Copa America is South America's premier international tournament. The longest running international soccer tournament in the world, it's the continent's equivalent of the UEFA European Championship or the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The tournament has had many iterations in its 100-year history, with the current format coming into play in 2007. That was the year CONMEBOL shifted to holding the tournament once every four years, with all 10 members of the South American confederation joined by two other countries for a 12-team tournament.

The 12 teams are usually divided into three groups of four, with 8 advancing to the knockout round. Chile hosted the tournament in June 2015, with the hosts winning the title – their first – by beating Argentina in penalties in the final.

Uruguay have won the most Copa America titles, taking home the trophy 15 times. Argentina are second with 14 titles and Brazil round out the top three with eight championships. Ecuador and Venezuela are the only two CONMEBOL countries that have never won the tournament.

The 2016 Centenario, of course, will be a little different. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the tournament, CONMEBOL partnered with US Soccer and CONCACAF to stage a juiced-up version of the event in the States. The tournament, which has never before been hosted outside of South America, should captivate the attention of the entire Western Hemisphere, with big teams and big stars set to face off for the first trophy of its kind.

Which countries are participating?

Sixteen teams will compete in the Copa America Centenario, with all 10 CONMEBOL federations joined by six CONCACAF countries.

The US and Mexico automatically qualified for the tournament, and Jamaica and Costa Rica made the field as winners of the 2014 Caribbean Cup and 2014 Copa Centroamericana, respectively.

By virtue of their finishes at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, four teams – Cuba, Haiti, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago – qualified for the Copa America Centenario qualifying playoffs. The teams were seeded based on their Gold Cup results, with top-seeded Panama beating fourth-seeded Cuba, while third-seeded Haiti knocked off second-seeded Trinidad and Tobago in one-off matches held Jan. 8.

When and where will the tournament be played?

The Copa America Centenario will kick off on June 3 and will conclude with the final on June 26. A total of 10 stadiums were selected from of a group of 24 bidders to host tournament matches, with the minimum stadium capacity for the tournament set at 60,219.

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California will host the tournament opener on Friday, June 3, when the USA will take on Colombia. The final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The complete group-stage matchups were determined by the Copa America Centenario draw, held in New York City on February 21. In addition to the opener, the USMNT will play group stage games at Soldier Field vs. Costa Rica (June 7) and Lincoln Financial Field vs. Paraguay (June 11); Brazil is at the Rose Bowl (June 4), Citrus Bowl (June 8), and Gillette Stadium (June 12); Mexico at University of Phoenix Stadium (June 5), the Rose Bowl (June 9), and NRG Stadium (June 13); and Argentina at Levi's Stadium (June 6), Soldier Field (June 10), and CenturyLink Field (June 14)

List of host stadiums:

• CenturyLink Field – Seattle, Wash.
• Camping World Stadium – Orlando, Fla.
• Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass
• Levi's Stadium – Santa Clara, Calif.
• Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
• MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
• NRG Stadium – Houston, Texas
• Rose Bowl – Pasadena, Calif.
• Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
• University of Phoenix Stadium – Glendale, Ariz.

What's the format?

The tournament format is relatively straightforward. The 16 teams will be drawn into four groups of four teams each, with each team set to play the other teams in their group once. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout round, with the eight remaining teams then playing a single-elimination, advance-or-go-home tournament culminating in the June 26 final.

If tied at the end of regulation, group stage matches will end as a draw, while knockout round games will move directly to a penalty shootout. If the final finishes tied, the teams will play two 15-minute periods of extra time and, if still tied, will decide the title in a penalty shootout.

Unlike other regional championships, the Copa America Centenario winner will not earn a berth to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia. CONCACAF and CONMEBOL have already determined their representatives for the Confederations Cup, with Mexico beating the US in the CONCACAF Cup in October to earn a spot in Russia and Chile qualifying for the tournament by virtue of their 2015 Copa America title.

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