You can turn off wifi in: settings > wireless networks
You can turn off gps in: settings > location & security

to completely disable gps, make sure you uncheck:
Use wireless networks
Use GPS Satellites
Enable Assisted GPS

You should also have a set of widgets on one of your homescreens that turn these features off.

 

If you have Wi-Fi at home or are somewhere with Wi-Fi, then you should be able to load web pages quite a bit quicker. It also doesn't count toward your 3g data usage, which isn't a big deal with an unlimited plan unless you are a heavy data user. With GPS, you don't need it on all the time, but certain apps will need to have it enabled for them to work properly. Most notably any type of navigation app or an app like "Where" which will help you find nearby restaurants, gas stations, etc.

Don't leave GPS on unless you have one of those apps enabled at the moment and using it. It can be a big battery sucker. As for Wi-Fi, I use the Wi-Fi feature at my house for quicker loading times. When Wi-Fi is turned on and connected, it turns off the 3g on the phone. I haven't noticed any extreme battery drain with this turned on, but again I only have it turned on when I need it or when I'm at home.

 

This is false. The GPS is only used and draining battery when there is an app that needs GPS. You'll see the satellite icon in the status bar when that happens. Otherwise, it is not using up battery power.

 

the phone uses wifi networks just like a PC would, yes. wifi data connectivity is highly desirable as it is much faster than 3g and also much less battery intensive (lower power transceiver w/100yd range to your router, not 2mi range to the nearest tower).

the phone can connect to pretty much any wifi network, secured or not, though there have been some reported issues with 802.11n networks and/or networks that hide their SSID (name) for security reasons. when you manage networks / add a network, you will be prompted for all the necessary security info.

as for GPS, the posted just above me is correct. no need to shut it off if you're not using apps that need it. and even then, most blink it on to get your position, then turn it off again right away. makes things like place/weather/shopping searches very handy, as the phone knows where you are. things like navigation or real-time mapping (latitude) will run the gps non-stop to keep your position current. this will definitely eat battery. i actually lose some charge when running nav in the car, even when connected to the charger...burning it up faster than i'm pouring it in. time to get a high-current charger...

 

You have to set up the wireless connection one time, and from then on it will connect automatically. To set up any of them, on the home page, click on the menu button, go to settings, and the top one listed is Wireless and Networks. Click on that, then tap Wi-Fi settings. Turn on wifi isn't it isn't already and then you should see available networks appear in a list below. Tap the one or ones you want to connect and a text box will appear to enter a password. Once the password is entered (or other logon key), you are good to go. Then in the furutre when that network is available, it will automatically connect when you turn wifi on.

Please feel free to add on to this or make corrections if I've left something out.

 

You sure about that?

http://androidforums.com/support-tr...428-battery-drain-due-software-bug-w-gps.html

 

Yes, if you have a wireless network at your house you can connect to it, which as has already been stated is faster than 3G. It will take a couple of minutes to first set up your connection but after the initial setup your phone should automatically connect when it is within range. My phone currently connects to both, my work and home wireless networks without me doing anything other than enabling wifi on the phone. Curious, but why is your wireless router off sometimes?

The reason most wireless networks are password encrypted are for three reasons: 1) access to your connected devices (file sharing, private data, etc. ), 2) Can steal your bandwidth, and IMO most important, 3) If someone uses your unrestricted network to do illegal things such as downloading copyrighted material you can be held liable and cannot claim ignorance.

 

OK, that makes since. I would probably suggest turning the surge on if you plan on using your phone at home (and of course turning it off when you're gone). The speed and battery will improve if you use wifi instead of 3G. Don't forget to enable the security on your wireless network.

I've seen the devastation that faulty wiring (I know you did not mention faulty wiring, but I've had experience with it) can cause to a house and the people inside, let alone having anything plugged in.