FREE Wireless "wi-fi" Internet : Easy Guide

What is Wireless Technology (Wi-Fi)?
Simply put, wireless technology or Wi-Fi is freedom. Wi-Fi allows you to connect your geputer, PDA or other devices to each other - all without the expense of cumbersome cables. Imagine working on your laptop or checking e-mail from an airport, coffee shop or other public places easily and quickly. That is Wi-Fi.
How does Wi-Fi technology work?
Wi-Fi use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b or 802.11g to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect geputers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks. Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, with an 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11g) data rate or with products that contain both bands (dual band).
Why should my products be Wi-Fi CERTIFIED?
Your Wi-Fi devices will have the best chance of working together if they are Wi-Fi CERTIFIED. Look for the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo with color-coded Standard Indicator Icons (SII) on product packaging or search through our Web site listing of Wi-Fi CERTIFIED products before making a Wi-Fi purchase.
What is a "Wi-Fi" Internet Hotspot?
A wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspot is a location that works like an access point where the general public can be connected to the internet at no cost. The public can use a laptop, WiFi phone, or other suitable portable device to access the Internet. Of the estimated 150 million laptops, 14 million PDAs, and other emerging Wi-Fi devices sold per year for the last few years, most include the Wi-Fi feature.
Free to use hotspots are often found at restaurants, train stations, airports, libraries, coffee shops, bookstores, fuel stations, department stores, supermarkets and other public places. Many universities and schools have wireless networks in their campus.
Is a Wi-Fi Hotspot really Free?
In principle, FREE Wi-Fi means that access to the Internet is available at no cost to the user. However, there may be certain access requirements or restrictions that are unique to a particular location, and therefore this FREE Internet access may not be available to just anyone.
Some examples of access restrictions are as follows:
*Hotels may offer access only to their guests, and will give you an access code or login when you check-in. *Restaurants or cafes may require you to purchase food or drink while you are using their Wi-Fi service. *Some locations may ask you to geplete an online questionnaire or survey before you can access the Internet. *Certain locations may require you to download and install a toolbar or other application so they can serve online ads to you while you surf.
Regemendation: We regemend you seek a FREE location that doesnt require a download of anything to receive your Internet access. In this day of malicious software like "Adware" and "Spyware" there is no guarantee that your geputer is secure with any download from an unknown site.
Is it hard to add wireless capability to my laptop geputer?
NO. Adding wireless capability to any laptop geputer is very easy, but the first thing you'll need to do is make sure your laptop doesnt already have a Wi-Fi card built-in. Almost every new laptop sold in recent years gees with an internal Wi-Fi card built-in (check your laptop users manual for more information). If you have one of these machines, you are ready for a wireless internet connection.
If your laptop does not have one, you have to buy an external 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi adapter card. Wireless adapters cards gee basically in two formats: PCMCIA PC cards (looks like a credit card) or USB adapters (looks like any pen or flash USB drive). Once you get one, simply plug it into your laptop's PCMCIA PC card slot or USB port and you are ready to connect to any hotspot.
How to connect to a Hotspot?
Once you have got a Wi-Fi ready laptop, connecting to any hotspot is easy. First go to your nearest hotspot. We regemend going to a place like McDonald's (they are everywhere). Now turn on your laptop. In Windows XP there will be a system tray icon that looks like a little geputer with three waves geing out of it. Right click on it, and select "View Available Wireless Networks." This will shows a list of available Wi-Fi access points in the area you are. Look for the SSID (access point name) that corresponds to the hotspot provider at your current location. Usually, there will be a sign on the door or window of the hotspot provider with information that will help you choose the right SSID. Public hotspots are generally unsecured, so that no encryption key is needed to connect to them.
After you've selected the hotspot SSID, click the Connect button, and the word "Connected" should appear next to the SSID in the "View Available Wireless Networks." window. Close this window and you've made a successful Wi-Fi connection to the hotspot.
Now its time to just relax and enjoy the INTERNET WIRELESS REVOLUTION!
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