How & Where To Access Wireless Internet Connections

Written by Lynnette on June 30, 2005 | Comments (0)

It used to be, you couldn't connect to a wireless network providing access the Internet away from home UNLESS you were in an airport!

Find wireless Internet hotspots in your area. These days, there are plenty of "hotspots" as they're called, allowing you to tap into the Net from virtually any street corner. While Starbucks may have made wireless networking the "in" thing to do, several other companies have jumped on board -- providing WiFi access to their visitors, customers, and clients.

In my neighborhood, even McDonald's has jumped on the wireless bandwagon!

To find out where the hotspots are in YOUR neighborhood, check the following sites:

JiWire Global Wi-Fi Hotspot Finder
Wayport Locations
Google Local (type wifi in the first box, and the zip code in the other)
WiFi Free Spot
iPass Hotspot Finder
WiFi Maps - Wardriving Maps and Hotspot Locator
EZ Goal Wi-Fi Hotspots
Wi-fi Hotspot List
USAToday Worldwide Hotspot Directory

And, before you travel, check for hotels that offer Wi-Fi connectivity. Keep in mind, some hotels only offer WiFi in the lobby, rather than in the rooms. And some only offer wired access, so pack an Ethernet cable, just in case.

Wi-Fi Tips & Tricks

Until the recent addition of Jim's new laptop, we had lived a fully-corded life... not knowing what we were missing in terms of wireless networking. However, with the growing amount of work that Jim does "on the road" these days, we are thrilled to begin taking advantage of WiFi and "computing on the go".

If you're new to WiFi too, then you'll appreciate these Top 25 Wireless Tips & Tricks... we did!