How do we connect our laptop to the internet when we our away from home?

Question

We have two desktop pc's at home which the upstairs one is wireless through the main pc and we have recently bought a wireless enabled laptop. How do we connect the laptop to the internet when we are away from home and do we need any other gagets. Thanks

Answer 1

I too have just bought a wireless enabled laptop myself (Intel Centrino).

I haven't yet set up my wireless network at home yet, but i have been able to connect to the Internet at Uni, using the free campus wifi.

All you do is go to 'start' and click 'connect to' look at 'show all connections' and wireless routers will be identified by your computer and you should be able to connect by clicking the connection. But please be aware that as the wifi is open to all (all laptops can join the connection) it IS NOT security enabled and as such you should avoid such identity sensitive surfing such as Internet Banking and buying things, as some 'smart Alec' might be able to access what your doing and typing (I saw it on Real Hussel - BBC3).

When i connect to wifi at Uni (using my wifi ready laptop running on Windows Vista) i just go down to the bottom of the screen (next to the clock on your desktop tray) and right hand click on the icon that looks like two computers and select the router (its says, in my case, 'LeedsMet' to identify itself).


Hope this helps.

Answer 2

In the UK you can access Wireless Hotspots at many locations like hotels, cafes etc and are supplied by access providers. These hotspots will allow you to connect to the Internet once a fee has been paid and for a period of time. If you are only needing to ge online for a small period then McDonalds are the best bet, and whose access is provided by BT Openzone.

I have found that those supplied by The Cloud or BT Openzone offer the best value for money in terms of cost and period of use. SwissCom are the most expensive.

You may want to purchase a Wi-Fi finder which will allow you to find an access point without the need to switch on your laptop. Have a look on Ebay or look around for these.

Answer 3

Most hotels have internet hook ups, many offer service for free but some charge minimal fees. Most Chamber of commerces and libraries now offer free wifi. Some cities have free wifi over the WHOLE city. Most coffee shops give free wifi or you could go to to a commercial "hotspot" like at Starbucks.

http://www.wififreespot.com/ is a great site to research BEFORE your trip. Cut and Paste your destination cities into a wordpad document so you can view the site list even when off line

Answer 4

I have heard a rumour, (other more pc literate people may be able to confirm this), that you can purchase a little gadget in any pc shop called a 'Dongle'. A lot of students use these apparently and they enable you to pick up (for free I might add) any internet connection in the area.

Answer 5

you need to find a wireless hotspot and no you don't need any other gadgets as you have said that the laptop is already wirelessly enabled.

Answer 6

wireless dude also u need the connected point