lounge question ('cause it's too embarassing for computer forum or gd)

[Kali]

so, I now have my very first laptop. I have been on dial-up desktop since forever, including right now. My question (-s, actually):

How do you find places that have free wifi?

What is the protocol/etiquette for using it?

How do I connect or log on or whatever it is one needs to do?


signed,
goin' mobile

[suninvited]

1. restaurants, coffee shops

and other places that have free wifi usually advertise it.

Just turn on your laptop and it will show you the connections available. Connect to the one that you wish to use and that is it.

[Chan790]

3. Often public libraries as-well.

They like it because it means less competition for the computers. Universities often set up unencrypted networks for the student union. If you wear a nice cardigan and freakishly-clean bright blue jeans, people will assume you're just another middle-aged continuing-education grad student. As a bonus, it's also how I met my ex-gf.

[Kali]

7. I know our library does, I called them

but "freakishly-clean bright blue jeans" made me :spray: :rofl:

[Kali]

5. I guess I need to just take a deep breath and try it, huh?

Not sure why I am freaking - virginity at my age is awkward.:rofl:

[Kali]

6. places I hardly ever go to

since our pump is giving us more trouble, this might be a good time to get a hotel room - for the shower and free wifi!:think:

[HopeHoops]

2. If you ask at the counter, they will give you a card with the information:

That will include the encryption type (probably WEP), server name, login, and password. You right click on your network icon in the lower right of the system tray, select "Connect to a network", and go from there. It will probably already see the network and just let you select it and fill in the other information.

And don't be embarrassed. This shit is confusing to everyone at first.

[Kali]

8. yeah, but that confusion at first all was such a long time ago for most

:P

[Ohio Joe]

4. You go to the free wifi report

And be sure to read the faqs... They will not answer all of your questions but will put you in the right direction.

http://www.wififreespot.com/

Click on your state to find locations. Read the faws here:

http://www.wififreespot.com/faqs.html

[Kali]

9. I did find that site with the google

but there wasn't much listed near me (what am I saying there isn't much of ANYTHING near me)

[Ohio Joe]

10. oh...

Well... With nothing near you the pickings will be slim for free wifi... McDonald's, Subway, Libraries and many book stores and coffee shops will be places to try.

When you find one, In the bottom right hand corner of your screen, you should see an icon for your internet connection, right click and select "network and sharing center" or something similar. You should get a small pop-up that will list all available networks and if they are secure or open. Select the one named after where you are that has free wifi (they are usually kind enough to name the network so you can recognize it... not always but try the open network with the most bars) and connect by single clicking the name and then clicking the "connect" button at the bottom of the box. Once connected, you should be able to just open your browser and surf normally... Though some places have a default home page that they will send you to that you can just navigate away from, do not worry though, your browser still has your home page remembered and you do not have to reset it.

[meegbear]

11. Typically your laptop will find the WiFis ...

You will be displayed a list the ones it located near by.

The list may display a padlock next to some or all of them. The padlock means it's password protected and you will need the password to connect. Or, when you select one, it asked for a password or PIN. Again, it's password protected and you will need the password to connect. If it is not password protected, after selecting it, you are online.

The main thing to remember is that when you are on a router, especially if it is not password protected, any information can be read by a third party, with the right technology. Do your best to avoid anything "financial", online banking, online purchase with a credit card, etc.

So if/when you get yourself a wireless router for your home, make sure it is password protected. Most companies come into your home to set the connection and if you purchase a wireless router before they come, they usually will set it up for free.

Happy browsing!

[Kali]

14. FOR MY HOME?

do they make routers for dial-up?:rofl:




:hide:

[meegbear]

17. LOL - no ...

figured someday you'll make the leap.

[Phentex]

12. It's free at my house...

if you're ever in Atlanta! :)

I have found free wi fi in many places like my mom's doctor's office when I'm waiting for her. Like others have said, many places have security but they offer the code for free.

[Kali]

15. !

My sister just spent a week in your city and seemed to enjoy it VERY much, judging from the texts on my phone. I think she is ready to relocate!:D

[av8rdave]

13. Welcome to the mobile online world!

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=US#/watch?v=-Ia11zn0y94

[struggle4progress]

16. if one of your neighbors has a wireless router, and you hide in a brush patch within

fifty yards or so of their homestead, you might be able to jump on their wireless signal

;)

some cafes and restaurants might have signals customers can use

[Kali]

18. and that would be a MUCH better explanation than what they would think if they caught me, too!

:rofl: