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To: Ken Adams who wrote (1999)10/14/2012 2:24:37 PM
From: Sultan  Respond to of 2471
 
Not 100% sure but I don't think you need to download anything..

When you turn on your wifi, whether it is on a laptop or smart phone, it automatically lists all the available networks that it can find and whether it is secured, i.e. you can't sign on without a password, or public.. It also shows the strength and a sense of whether it will be a dog or not as far as speed goes..

At least that has been my experience..



To: Ken Adams who wrote (1999)10/14/2012 5:14:26 PM
From: Neeka  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 2471
 
Because we were camping, I did most of my Internet work at McDonald's and my laptop recognized all of the wireless signals available where ever I was. (Click on the little monitor icon on your task tray to find signals.) Every McDonald's I used had electric plug ins avail too.

Because there was usually four or five signals available, I had to ask each establishment for the name of their signal and their password. All McDonald's stores required me to "accept their terms of use." That button is usually found near the bottom of the page and you have to scroll down to find it.

If you are staying at hotels they should all offer free Internet (make sure before you check in) and will provide the name of their signal and the password.

I know you can also catch a signal at Starbucks. I will occasionally use their signal when I'm near one downtown and I've never needed a password.

Take your laptop out with you a couple of times before you leave and visit a McDonald's or some other store that offers wifi. That way you can get familiar with how it works and get more comfortable using wifi.

Personally, I would not use an unsecured signal if I was doing any trading or banking.



To: Ken Adams who wrote (1999)10/14/2012 5:23:38 PM
From: ManyMoose  Respond to of 2471
 
Check out public libraries, Ken. They have wifi connections and many have terminals if you need them. It doesn't cost anything.

I tried McDonald's once but got cold feet when they wanted me to sign up for something--I don't remember what.



To: Ken Adams who wrote (1999)10/15/2012 4:45:25 PM
From: Raptech3 Recommendations  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 2471
 
I travel frequently with a laptop and have no difficulty finding wifi in most hotels, coffee shops, etc. by just using a Intel wifi conncection utility or whatever utility came installed on your laptop.

I always have security concerns when accessing unfamiliar networks. Just make sure you have a good firewall and AV apps, and run them daily. I am overly cautious so do limit accessing broker and bank accounts. That being said over many years of travel I have never had a negative encounter using public wifi. Just be sure not to save passwords on the network.