New to wifi/hotspots...need info

[Guest]

I've never used my wireless internet connection out of the home and now want
to give it a try. Is there anything special I need to do, download,
purchase, software, hardware, etc.? Do I need an account with someone? I
have SBC/ATT DSL and their hotspots are soooooo limited!! (so I guess their
out of the picture)

Once I get to a hotspot, what do I do to connect?

Thanks.

 

[Malke]

I've never used my wireless internet connection out of the home and now want
to give it a try. Is there anything special I need to do, download,
purchase, software, hardware, etc.? Do I need an account with someone? I
have SBC/ATT DSL and their hotspots are soooooo limited!! (so I guess their
out of the picture)

Once I get to a hotspot, what do I do to connect?

It will depend on how the hotspot has set things up. You'll ask the
people working at wherever you are how to use their hotspot and they'll
tell you.

Normally for commercial hotspots you pay some amount of money and are
given a password which will allow you to connect to that network for
some amount of time. For free wifi like that provided by some cities,
colleges, etc. you'll just see the connection in your wireless manager
and you'll connect to it.


Malke

 

[Paul Randall]

I've never used my wireless internet connection out of the home and now
want
to give it a try. Is there anything special I need to do, download,
purchase, software, hardware, etc.? Do I need an account with someone? I
have SBC/ATT DSL and their hotspots are soooooo limited!! (so I guess
their
out of the picture)

Once I get to a hotspot, what do I do to connect?

Many common businesses, like McDonald's, have subscription based WiFi.

Free WiFi is also available in many places, but you have to look for them.
Google for the two words free wifi, and you should find some very good free
directories, some sorted by state and city. The definition of 'free'
varies. For example, I have accessed WiFi while parked outside Panera Bread
stores. Some public libraries have free WiFi service, but only to those
with a library card. Note that free wifi is inherently insecure.

-Paul Randall

 

[Guest]

Thanks to both you and Malke. I'll do the google thing and contact the place
of business where I plan on going next week.